Last update - 00:00 13/10/2007
Croatia defeats Israel 1-0 in crucial Euro 2008 qualifying match
By Moshe Boker, Haaretz Correspondent, and Haaretz Service
ZAGREB - Croatia defeated Israel 1-0 Saturday in a crucial Euro 2008 qualifying match, ending Israel's hopes of advancing to the finals.
Croatia took the lead on a goal from Eduardo Da Silva in the 52 minute after a scoreless first half.
Israel had desperately needed a win to retain any hope of qualifying for the Euro 2008 finals, a task that was made no easier by the fact that Croatia is undefeated thus far at home.
Dror Kashtan's squad was also without a number of key players due to injury and suspensions, including goalkeeper Dudu Aouate, who has provided stellar performances in the current qualifying campaign.
Israel came off an embarrassing 3-0 trouncing to England at Wembley Stadium last month.
On Thursday, the national squad's captain Yossi Benayoun addressed his teammates, urging them to rise to the challenge and redeem themselves following the England match.
"It is true that we are talking about a very difficult match," said Benayoun, who wants very much to leave his own impression on coach Dror Kashtan's campaign.
Benayoun urged the players not "to give a performance that would embarrass us like in England. Restore Israeli soccer's respect despite the gaps in talent level between Croatia and Israel. We have young and talented players and I am sure that in the future, in the next campaign, they will be better because of the experience that they are getting now."