Israel brave storm to take points

Israel's strong UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying campaign continued as they eked out victory in torrential conditions in Andorra.

Rain and shine
Heavy rain before and during the Group E fixture left puddles on the pitch, and one of those was exploited by Roberto Colautti in setting up Toto Tamuz to score late in the first half. Colautti headed the second himself eight minutes after the interval.

U21 combination
Striker Ben Sahar, defender Dekel Keinan and full-back Yuval Shpungin had left the Israel squad since Saturday's win in F.Y.R. Macedonia to link up the Under-21s, although Barak Itzhaki and Tamuz remained with the seniors and they combined usefully on three minutes. Itzhaki's cross was only parried by Andorra goalkeeper Koldo Álvarez and Tamuz turned the rebound on to the post.

Opener
Andorra's Marc Bernaus threatened from distance on the quarter-hour and for a while Israel were struggling to create chances in the wet. However, the conditions proved to the visitors' advantage with eight minutes remaining in the half. Koldo seemed to have a hopeful pass covered but instead of bouncing, the ball held still and the roaming Colautti rounded the keeper and sent over a cross from the left that Tamuz nodded in.

Victory sealed
Itzhaki had marked his full debut with a goal on Saturday, and having shot not far wide within seconds of the break, on 53 minutes he delivered a high centre from the right that fell perfectly for Colautti to score with a diving header at the far post. Israel were given a scare ten minutes from time when Andorra were awarded a penalty for Arik Benado's trip on Ildefons Lima. However, substitute Juli Sánchez put the spot-kick wide, missing the opportunity to double Andorra's goal tally in the group. They return to action on 22 August in Estonia; Israel next go to England on 8 September.