Last update - 00:00 17/11/2007
England Euro 2008 hopes alive after dramatic Israeli victory
By Moshe Boker, Haaretz Correspondent and Haaretz Service
Israel defeated Russia in dramatic fashion Saturday night with a goal by striker Omer Golan in stoppage time, in a match that could help determine which teams will qualify for the Euro 2008 tournament.
Israel scored ten minutes into the first half and a goal by Russia in the 60th minute evened the score at 1-1.
While the locals have long lost their chances to qualify, a victory or draw by the visiting Russians would have promised them a place in the tournament over group rivals England.
Despite the match having little consequence for Israel, Coach Dror Kasthan vowed his players would do their utmost to win.
"This is a decisive match for two big national teams and the Israeli fans should proudly support our squad," Kashtan said. "We have to play a positive style of soccer and win. Everything surrounding it will influence our national team's ranking in the future."
The victory may help Israel rise one or two spots in the UEFA rankings, which would be a great achievement for Kashtan, who aimed when he was brought in to get Israel into the European championship. But Kashtan proved that he is skilled in more than just marketing and soccer, becoming angry when asked about Israelis' lack of interest.
"Part of the issue is to improve, to make progress, to reach destinations like in any realm of life," Kashtan said. "For instance, in the realm of technology you do not go anywhere unless you set a destination. We have good, talented players; other squads have set themselves goals and have gotten where they wanted to."
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