Draw sends Germany and Israel through

Tight contest
The sides went into the final round of fixtures locked together atop Group 9 on 16 points, and with nothing to choose between them from October's corresponding game in Tel-Aviv, a 2-2 draw. That result meant Germany would progress with a draw providing it was not by 3-3 or higher, but after a frenetic opening that never looked a possibility. Instead, the hosts resisted spells of pressure to secure their play-off place as group winners, while Israel advanced as one of the best four runners-up.

Wagner effort
It was arguably no more than Motti Iwanir's team deserved having been the better side for much of the match at the MSV Arena. Sami Khedira wasted a fine early chance for Germany when he headed wide, but from then on it was Israel who were in the ascendancy. Yoval Avidor failed to convert a presentable opportunity when well-placed and it took a fine save from Floran Fromlowitz to deny Etey Shechter midway through the second period. Germany finally kicked into life 12 minutes from time when Sandro Wagner directed a header against the crossbar but a home win would have been cruel on Israel.