Greece remain at summit of Group Two

Greece maintained their position at the top of World Cup Qualifying Group Two with a 2-1 victory over Israel at the Pagkritio stadium in Crete.

Dimitris Salpigidis’ blistering first-half strike put Otto Rehhagel’s side ahead before a defensive lapse allowed Elyaniv Barda to level for the Israelis just before the hour mark.

Celtic striker Giorgos Samaras came off the bench to net a match-winning penalty after Vasilis Torosidis had been fouled by Baram Kayal.

Greece stay top on goal difference after Switzerland won 2-0 at home to Moldova.

Blaise Nkufo put the home side in front after 20 minutes and Alexander Frei sealed all three points with the second eight minutes after the interval.

Latvia kept their remote qualifying ambitions alive with a straightforward victory over Luxembourg.

Goals from Jurijis Zigajevs shortly before the break and Maris Verpakovskis 15 minutes from time wrapped up an important Group Two victory in Riga to take them on to 10 points from six games.