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Israel spoils Wales party with battling goalless draw

September 6, 2015 19:13
Israel shut out Gareth Bale in Cardiff

By

Danny Caro,

Danny Caro

2 min read

Israel denied Wales the win that would have ensured qualification for next year’s European Championships finals with a goalless draw in Cardiff.

The visitors went into the game on the back of a 4-0 victory over Andorra, but they were forced to defend for long spells, with goalkeeper Ofir Marciano and captain Tal Ben Haim in commanding form.

Wales dominated the first half and pushed Israel back, forcing a series of early corners. Aaron Ramsey tested the reflexes of Marciano as early as the second minute before heading over an open goal after Ben Haim had blocked a shot from Andy King with his boot.

There was a celebratory mood inside the ground, with no signs of the reported anti-Israel protests, in a contest where Israel had four players booked. Marciano was spoken to by the referee for time-wasting as Israel looked to break up the play.

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