Israel edged out by former world champions - The Jewish Chronicle

WORLD CUP GROUP G QUALIFIER ISRAEL 0 SPAIN 1 Having already secured qualification, the Group G winners made several changes to the side that had beaten Albania 3-0 three days earlier, with Premier League stars David De Gea and David Silva rested. Pepe Reina, Cesar Azpilicueta and Nacho Monreal were included in a team that dominated in terms of possession and chances at the Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem. Israel went into the match having failed to win any of their last four consecutive home qualifiers, and chances of an upset never materialised. Former captain Yossi Benayoun received a special accolade in honour of his 100 caps before kick-off, and he joined the action in a second half, in a bid to galvanise the home team. With Brighton striker Tomer Hemed leading the line, Israel mustered just a solitary effort on goal - they finished the campaign with 10 goals in 10 matches. The goal that settled the contest was of the highest calibre, with Real Sociedad midfielder Illarramendi unleashing a swerving 30-yard thunderbolt that whistled past Ariel Harush in the home goal and into the top corner. The defeat left Israel fourth in the group, on 12 points, and with manager Elisha Levy with much to reflect upon. ISRAEL: Harush, Ben Haim (capt), Melikson (sub: Ben Chaim 54), Natcho, Keltjens, Cohen, Hemed, Davidaza, Atar (sub: Benayoun), Tibi, Kabha (sub: Bitton 67) SPAIN: Reina, Azpilicueta, Ramos (capt), Monreal, Illarramendi, Busquets, Aduriz, Viera, Pedro, Asensio, Callejon, Aspas, Isco ---------------- MATCH STATS ISRAEL Shots - On target - 1, Off target - 5 Corners - 7 Offside 1 ---------------- SPAIN Shots - On target - 6, Off target - 6 Corners - 7 Offside 4 ---------------- GROUP G FINAL STANDINGS 1. Spain Pl. 10, W. 9, Pts. 28 2. Italy Pl. 10, W. 7, Pts. 23 3. Albania Pl. 10, W. 4, Pts. 13 4. Israel Pl. 10, W. 4, Pts. 12 5. FYR Macedonia Pl. 10, W. 3, Pts. 11 6. Liechtenstein Pl. 10, W. 0, Pts. 0