Israel still in with a chance after victory over Faroe Islands

Faroe Islands 0 Israel 2

The Faroes managed to hang on for 54 minutes before Avi Nimni put Israel in front and Yaniv Katan sealed the win in the 79th minute.

With 15 points from nine matches, and only the Faroe Islands to play against in Tel Aviv on October 8, Israel are still in with a chance of reaching the World Cup for the first time in 36 years.

Avraham Grant, whose side has so far beaten Cyprus twice and ended six other matches with the Republic of Ireland, France and Switzerland in draws, carved out his third victory of the campaign.

Grant made two changes from the side which salvaged a 1-1 draw against Switzerland in Basel and, despite fielding what looked an attack-minded side on paper, which included Pini Balili alongside Yaniv Katan up front, Israel struggled to break down the part-timers.

“We expected it to be a tough match, but also couldn’t afford to slip in a place where many teams struggled before us,” Avraham Grant said after the match. When notified that Switzerland had just conceded an equaliser in Nicosia, Grant smiled.

“The fact I am being asked about results of other teams after nine matches speaks volumes about our progress and group of players.”

Israel captain Avi Nimni said: “I am delighted with the victory which was achieved on a very difficult and tricky pitch which is hard for us. But everyone has played here, got their result and so did we.”

Nimni, who scored his 18th international goal in 79 appearances with a trademark left foot drive, summed up the feeling in the camp: “The opening goal released a lot of pressure and we improved dramatically after scoring, because we had everything to lose here.”

Yossi Benayoun tested the Faroe keeper Mikkelsen as early as the first minute, but from that point onwards the visitors faded. Keisi had a header tipped away on 17 minutes and Balili had a close range effort saved shortly after. In the 41st minute West Ham’s Yossi Benayoun tormented the Faroe defence as he ghosted into the area, but with only the keeper to beat from the six-yard box, he sent a weak shot across the face of goal.

Israel took the initiative after the break, and scored eight minutes in. Benayoun and Katan combined to pick up Nimni, who drilled a low shot home from the edge of the area.

Katan settled the game with his 79th minute goal.

FAROE ISLANDS: Mikkelsen, Horg, Jon Roi Jacobsen, Oli Johannesen, Olsen, Borg, Rogvi Jacobsen, Jorgensen, Benjaminsen, Hojsted, Christian Hogni Jacobsen.

ISRAEL: Davidovitch, Benado, Harazi, Ben Haim, Benayoun, Keisi, Nimni, Soan, Badir, Balili, Katan.

Referee: Pieter Vink (Holland)