Become a Member
Sport

Israel edged out by Croatia

October 11, 2010 09:18
Israel Croatia

ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro

1 min read

Two first-half strikes from Spurs’ midfielder Niko Kranjčar helped Croatia move two points clear at the top of Euro 2012 qualifying Group F as they beat Israel 2-1 at the Ramat Gan National Stadium.

Israel went into the game without captain Yossi Benayoun and Celtic midfielder Biram Kayal as the absence was felt as the visitors took the game by the scruff of the neck in the first 45 minutes.

The hosts were given an early warning when Ivan Rakitić fired a shot against the base of the post inside seven minutes.

Israel hit back with Etey Shechter forcing a fine finger-tip save from Vedran Runje following a run from the halfway line. The Croatia No. 1 was also equal to an effort from Yoav Ziv two minutes later.