Swiss lead Group 4 after draw with stubborn Israel

Switzerland 1 Israel 1

Switzerland leapt to the top of World Cup qualifying Group 4 despite only managing a draw with obdurate Israel in Basel on Saturday.

Adoram Keisi’s 20th-minute equaliser for Israel cancelled out Alexander Frei’s effort in the fifth minute.

While the Swiss climbed to the summit of the group above Republic of Ireland on goal difference, Avraham Grant’s charges are just one point behind and will be confident they can still emerge from what is proving to be a very tight group.

The result also means both sides remain unbeaten in qualifying.

The hosts got off to the ideal start when Tranquilo Peralta’s cross stretched Israel’s defence and bobbled off the foot of Arik Benado to beat goalkeeper Nir Davidovic.

But as the effort struck the woodwork, Rennes striker Frei pounced on the loose ball and slotted the rebound home from point-blank range.

In what seemed like a carbon copy of Avi Yechiel’s goal in Dublin, Israel came from behind for the sixth time this campaign to level through Keisi 15 minutes later.

Idan Tal’s free-kick from the right channel saw Keisi rise above the Swiss defence and send a looping header over Pascal Zuberbuhler and into the back of the net off the post.

The hosts almost regained the lead two minutes into the second half.

A poor attempted clearance found its way to the feet of Hakan Yakin, whose shot fell to Frei inside the area.

The striker’s effort looked goalbound but Davidovic stretched himself to pull off a stunning reflex save.

The hosts continued to press forward but were denied by Israel’s rock-like backline, which was marshalled expertly by Bolton’s Tal Ben Haim.

In the 85th minute, Frei cut into the area and blasted a dangerous shot which deflected off Ben Haim's head.

The dipping shot caught Davidovic off guard but it rattled against the crossbar and to safety – much to the delight of the 3000 travelling fans.

Despite five minutes of stoppage time, Israel managed to hang on for a priceless point.