EURO CHAMPIONSHIPS 2016 QUALIFYING GROUP B
BOSNIA & HERZEGOVENA 3 ISRAEL 1
Israel's hopes of reaching their first European Championships finals were dealt a major blow as they were beaten 3-1 by Bosnia & Herzegovena.
Eli Guttman's side made the perfect start as they looked to bounce back from defeats against Wales and Belgium as Tal Ben Haim gave the visitors a 41st minute lead.
But a double from Edin Višća's, the first coming just a minute after the opener, and one from Manchester City's Edin Dzeko sealed Israel's fate in Zenica.
Israel went into the game with a psychological edge having beaten the Bosnians 3-0 in November, but the hosts were much improved under new coach Mehmed Baždarević.
The match sparked into life towards half-time when Dzeko sliced his clearance into the path of Ben Haim who lashed a volley past Asmir Begovic.
Israel were hit with a sucker punch as with celebrations having barely died down, Mensur Mujdža setting up Višća's equaliser.
The hosts finished the half on the front foot and they were awarded a penalty when Ognjen Vranješ' effort struck Sheran Yeini's arm; Džeko duly sent Ofir Marciano the wrong way from the spot.
Israel created several good openings in the second half, but Ben Sahar, Ben Haim and substitute Maor Buzaglo failed to beat Begovic.
And it was Bosnia who delivered the decisive blow when a good move involving skipper Džeko found Višća set up Senad Lulić whose shot was parried by Marciano, only for the onrushing Višća to nod in.
Israel manager Eli Guttman said: “I didn’t celebrate after the wins and I won’t go into mourning after this defeat.
"We have to work hard and look towards September. We play Andorra next which is a must-win game, we then go to Wales and will see what happens. It is now going to be very difficult to finish in third place."
Having won their first three group matches, Israel's untimely hat-trick of defeats means their hopes of claiming a playoff berth hang in the balance.
Israel return to action in September when they host basement battlers Andorra, followed by a trip to Wales on September 6. Cyprus are the visitors on October 10 with a visit to Belgium concluding their campaign three days later.
GROUP B STANDINGS
1. Wales Pl. 6, Pts. 14
2. Belgium Pl. 6, Pts. 11
3. Israel Pl. 6, Pts. 9
4. Cyprus Pl. 6, Pts. 9
5. Bosnia & Herzegovena Pl. 6, Pts. 8
6. Andorra Pl. 6, Pts. 0
