Ruthless Israel lay down marker in Norway

Israel caught the eye in 2015 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying Group 8 with a 3-1 victory against Norway in Drammen.

It was a disappointing night for the home team, who had taken a 12th-minute lead through Etzaz Hussain. Two errors had been punished by a ruthless Israel side by half-time, before Amir Agajev added a late third to put the result beyond doubt.

Optimism was high that Norway would secure their second win of the campaign, and the omens looked good when they scored from their first real attack, Hussain providing a neat finish on the turn.

But Trond Nordsteien's charges surrendered the impetus on 29 minutes when goalkeeper Sondre Rossbach misjudged a kick. Munas Dabbur was the unintended recipient, and the Israel forward showed composure to lob back over the unfortunate custodian and restore parity.

Rossbach's day went from bad to worse seven minutes before the interval; the keeper's hesitation to meet Dabbur's cross into the danger zone proved fatal as Gil Itzhak pounced to wrest the initiative for Michael Nees's men.

Israel controlled the second period, recycling possession well and restricting Norway to very little in attack. The game was up for the frustrated hosts on 85 minutes when Agajev appeared to have all the time in the world to steady himself and clip over Rossbach. Israel move onto six points from three Group 8 outings, with Norway stuck on three from four matches.