Swan's late arrival brings joy for Israel
Saturday, 26 March 2005
By Ofer Ronen-Abels
[1] Substitute Abbass Swan's 90th-minute equaliser gave Israel a valuable point at home to the Republic of Ireland that leaves both teams still unbeaten in FIFA World Cup qualifying Group 4.
Dramatic strike
[2] A spectacular Clinton Morrison finish had given Ireland an early lead, but just when it seemed that they would break away from Israel in the tight pool, Swan struck from outside the box.
Nimni dropped
[3] Avraham Grant made three surprise inclusions for Israel, dropping captain Avi Nimni to the bench and using Idan Tal alongside Walid Badier in the heart of midfield, with Omer Golan as lone striker supported by Yaniv Katan. Morrison overcame a slight ankle knock to play in the same Ireland lineup that drew in France in October.
Ireland score
[4] Tal Ben Haim was deployed on the right of a three-man Israeli defence to attempt to shackle Damien Duff, but the game was still in its early stages when the Chelsea FC winger skipped past Omri Afek and sent a cross past Ben Haim into the path of Morrison, who span off Shimon Gershon and sent a powerful shot high into the goal.
Stunning save
[5] The 44,000-capacity crowd, that had filled the stadium hours before kick-off, was stunned but Israel soon composed themselves and on 19 minutes Shay Given pulled off a stunning reflex save from Idan Tal's free-kick. However, Ireland's defence remained firm until the break, though Stephen Carr received a booking that rules him out of these sides' meeting in Dublin on 4 June.
Keane suspended
[6] On 63 minutes Grant made his first changes as Pini Balili and Nimni arrived for Tal and Afek, and Ben Haim soon forced Given to save. Grant then introduced Swan - who within two minutes was fouled by Roy Keane, who followed Carr in receiving a yellow card that earns him a suspension.
Fans delighted
[7] Israel were still lacking their goal, but their increasingly desperate efforts paid off moments before the game entered added time as Yossi Benayoun's long throw fell to Katan, who teed up Swan to send the home fans into a state of delirium.
French test
[8] Ireland, France and Israel remain locked on nine points after today's games - and Grant's side welcome Les Bleus to Tel-Aviv on Wednesday. The Irish play China in a friendly the night before, with their next group game the June encounter with Israel.