Israel fight back to sink Cyprus as Spain scrape draw

ISRAEL, playing a home game for the first time in almost three years, came from a goal down to defeat Cyprus 2-1 in Ireland’s World Cup qualifying group four.

Michael Konstantinou gave Cyprus the lead against the run of play on 58 minutes when he capitalised on a mix-up in the Israeli defence.

A brilliant solo goal from midfielder Yossi Benayoun, who rounded six players before shooting home from a sharp angle, restored parity eight minutes later.

Walid Badir hit the winner on 74 minutes, heading home from a Yaniv Katan corner.

Spain were fortunate to earn a point from their opening World Cup qualifier when they scraped a barely deserved 1-1 draw away to Bosnia in group seven.

Midfielder Vicente put the visitors ahead against the run of play after 66 minutes but Bosnia striker Elvir Bolic got a deserved equaliser eight minutes later as he cashed in on a defensive error before scoring with a cool finish.

Darijo Srna’s free-kick gave Croatia victory in their World Cup qualifier against a Swedish side who failed to make the most of their numerous opportunities in a group eight clash in Stockholm.

It was another fine win for Croatia, 3-0 conquerors of Hungary on Saturday, while the Swedes came crashing down to earth after their 7-0 thrashing of Malta.

In group five Scotland made a disappointing start to their World Cup qualifying campaign when they were held to a goalless Hampden Park draw by Slovenia.

There was no shortage of effort from the home side and chances were created but none were taken against a side who are expected to challenge for a runners-up spot behind new leaders Italy, who won in Moldova.

Also in the group five Belarus battled back from a goal down to snatch a late draw against Norway.

The Norwegians looked on course for victory when Vidar Riseth gave the hosts a first-half lead. But Belarus refused to give up and 12 minutes from time Vitaly Kutuzov secured a point.

England’s group six rivals Austria beat Azerbaijan 2-0 with Martin Stranzl and Roland Kollmann getting the goals.

In group three, two goals in a minute from substitute Andrejs Prohorenkovs broke Luxembourg hearts as Latvia won a thrilling contest in Luxembourg City, prevailing 4-3.

Also in that pool, Slovakia spanked Liechtenstein 7-0 with Middlesbrough’s Szilard Nemeth among the goalscorers.

Alessandro Del Piero scored his first goal for Italy in over a year as Marcello Lippi’s side picked up their second straight win with a 1-0 away victory over Moldova in group five.

Pierre van Hooijdonk scored twice to give Netherlands a dream start in their opening World Cup qualifier as they beat the Czech Republic 2-0.

Van Hooijdonk grabbed a goal in each half to provide the Dutch with a measure of revenge after they lost a pulsating match against the Czechs in the group stages of Euro 2004.

Meanwhile in an international friendly Germany drew 1-1 with Brazil. Barcelona’s Ronaldinho opened the scoring for the visitors after 9 minutes with Kevin Kuranyi equalising on 17 minutes.