By, Simon Griver
1 min read
BySimon Griver, Simon Griver
Israel were beaten 4-3 by the Ivory Coast in an international friendly in Switzerland on Wednesday night.
The match featured an inspirational performance by new Arsenal striker Gervinho who was a key figure as the African team stormed into a 3-0 lead.
Gervinho provided assists as strikes from Manchester City’s Yaya Toure and Didier Konan Ya gave the Ivory Coast a 2-0 advantage at half time.
Israel’s frustrations started to boil over when captain Yossi Benayoun threw away the captain’s armband and refused to shake hands with manager Luis Fernandez.
The lead was extended after 69 minutes when Max Gradel crossed for substitute Moussa Kone to fire home.
Two substitutions by Fernandez hauled Israel back into the match. Itay Shechter made it 3-1 after 69 minutes and three minutes later, Maor Melikson's deflected shot deceived Ivorian goalkeeper Boubacar Barry.
An 81st minute penalty from Chelsea striker Didier Drogba restored his team’s two-goal advantage before Melikson completed the scoring with Israel’s third three minutes from time.