Israel wary of French backlash

ISRAEL are fearful of a frustrated French side who still have not managed to find their goal-scoring touch when the two teams meet in their World Cup European Group Four qualifier tonight.

France, Ireland and Israel are all locked on nine points from five matches and while Israel managed a 1-1 draw with Ireland in Tel Aviv on Saturday, the French drew 0-0 with Switzerland in Paris - their fourth successive home goalless draw.

The French have only beaten the Faroe Islands and Cyprus so far, in a group in which none of the three leading teams have yet lost to any of their rivals.