Israel remain a point off top spot in World Cup qualifying Group G after securing a 3-0 triumph against an Albania team who finished with nine men on Saturday night.
November 13, 2016 09:44WORLD CUP QUALIFYING GROUP G
ALBANIA 0 ISRAEL 3
Israel remain a point off top spot in World Cup qualifying Group G after securing a 3-0 triumph against an Albania team who finished with nine men on Saturday night.
The venue for the match was moved from a stadium in Shkoder, a city in north west Albania, to Elbasan in the centre of the country due to a Daesh plot to attack the Israeli team, but the visitors maintained their focus to beat their ill-disciplined hosts with consumate ease.
Looking menacing on the break, Israel attacked Albania with great purpose and their pressure paid dividends when Berat Xhimshiti was sent off for scything down Eran Zahavi in the area. Zahavi dusted himself down before converting the resultant penalty.
The hosts adopted a physical approach and they were fortunate not to have more players cautioned until a moment of madness from goalkeeper Etrit Berisha.
When Zahavi went tumbling in the box, the big stopper charged over and pushed his head into Zahavi's. There was a second, more aggressive movement, which referee Deniz Aytekin adjudged to be a headbutt and Albania were reduced to nine men. Zahavi failed to capitalise fully, with substitute goalkeeper Alban Hoxha parrying his penalty.
Israel looked comfortable in possession, with some neat inter-play between midfield and their attackers, but it took until the 66th minute for them to double their lead.
Substitute Maor Buzaglo's dangerous cross was punched only as far as Daniel Einbinder, who reacted well to score first goal for his country, deflected the ball into the net via his knees.
Eliran Atar completed a memorable night for Israel with the third seven minutes from time.
Israel's next match is against Group G leaders Spain on March 24.
GROUP G STANDINGS
1. Spain Pl. 4, W. ,3 Pts. 10
2. Italy Pl. 4, W. 3, Pts. 10
3. Israel Pl. 4, W. 3, Pts. 9
4. Albania Pl. 4, W. 2, Pts. 6
5. FYR Macedonia Pl. 4, W. 0, Pts. 0
6. Liechtenstein Pl. 4, W. 0, Pts. 0
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