Georgia unable to break down Israel

Georgia had to settle for a single point for the second match in succession as they followed up their 1-1 draw with Greece on Friday with a goalless encounter with Israel in Group F.

The home side impressed again under new coach Temuri Ketsbaia but they were unable to find a way through at the Boris Paichadze National Stadium in Tbilisi. Despite coming under sustained pressure, Luis Fernandez's Israel held firm to follow up their opening UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying victory against Malta with another point.

Vladimir Dvalishvili spurned the best of the early chances when he shot wide, and his miss was followed by Georgia team-mate Gogita Gogua rattling the crossbar on 17 minutes. The hosts continued to press as half-time approached, with FC Spartak Moskva midfielder Jano Ananidze firing into the side netting.

Israel were only able to force one real opening during that time, but it almost produced a breakthrough as Nukri Revishvili saved well after centre-back Malkhaz Asatiani had inadvertently diverted Ben Sahar's cross towards his own goal. Georgia stepped up the pressure after the restart, yet chances remained few and far between. Zurab Khizanishvili, Ucha Lobzhanidze and David Siradze were all involved in one sweeping move which finished with the latter shooting wide, before visiting goalkeeper Dudu Aouate denied both Giorgi Merebashvili and Khizanishvili.

Israel captain Yossi Benayoun, who scored a hat-trick against Malta, enjoyed the final chance, but he was also unable to hit the target. Israel will next take to the field against Croatia on 9 October, a day after Georgia host Malta.