Norway's Singh strikes to deny Israel

Hosts Israel were denied the perfect start to the 2013 UEFA European Under-21 Championship after conceding a late equaliser against ten-man Norway.

Norway started the brighter but fell behind on 16 minutes when Israel captain Nir Biton kept his cool from the spot to score their first U21 final tournament goal. Tor Ole Skullerud's side were soon level through Marcus Pedersen, but found themselves down to ten when Vegar Hedenstad saw red just before the break.

Israel made their numerical advantage count in the second half and were on course for victory through substitute Alon Turgeman's strike, only for Harmeet Singh to deny them at the death.

Having beaten France in the play-offs, Norway began with confidence and had the first sight of goal only for Anders Konradssen to head Omar Elabdellaoui's cross over the bar. However, it was the hosts, competing in their second U21 finals, who scored the opening goal of the tournament. Elabdellaoui felled Omri Ben Harush in the area and Biton sent Orjan Nyland Haskjold the wrong way.

The lead did not last long, though. Eight minutes after going behind Norway restored parity as Pedersen took two attempts to gather Stefan Johansen's centre before shooting on the turn into the bottom left-hand corner. Having spurned an earlier chance, Konradssen almost made amends on the half-hour, but his shot from distance grazed the crossbar on its way over.

Norway were purring and Berget was next to try his luck, but his powerful strike came back off a post and Israel scrambled clear. Skullerud's charges continued to press, but were caught out by a long ball over the top and Vegar Hedenstad was subsequently dismissed for his challenge on Mohammad Kalibat.

Norway were on the front foot after the restart and the persistent Konradssen almost gave them the lead, but his deflected strike came back off the upright. Pedersen spurned two good chances shy of the hour mark and Israel made him pay with 19 minutes remaining. Munas Dabbur expertly collected Eyal Golasa's cut-back and his shot was blocked into the path of Turgeman, who drove in from the edge of the area.

Kleyman was twice called into action to preserve Israel's lead, but he could do nothing about substitute Singh's low drive in the final minute.