A 76th minute strike from captain Yossi Benayoun gave Israel victory in an international friendly against Hungary in Ramat Gan on Wednesday night.
With temperatures dipping as low as 11 degrees, the Liverpool midfield diverted Omer Golan’s shot into the net.
The Liverpool midfielder made amends for shooting over an easy chance just three minutes before the goal. Roberto Colautti should also have scored in the 39th minute when he headed a simple chance over the bar.
The match’s was Israel’s final preparation before a 2010 World Cup qualifying double-header against 2004 European Champions Greece.
Matchwinner Benayoun, who has been in fine form for Liverpool in recent weeks, said: “We didn't play well. Truth be told, this was a dreary match, but it's nevertheless important to win. We will obviously need to improve ahead of the Greece match.
"I believe we can beat Greece, but not if we play like this."
Israel boss Dror Kashtan commented: “The match wasn't played at a high level and I have no doubt that this form won't do against Greece. But we have learned something today. We gave the ball away too much."
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