In its first big test of the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, Israel came away with a 1-1 tie against Russia in Moscow after Amit Ben Shushan scored the tying goal in the 84th minute Saturday.

Russia had led for much of the game after striker Andrei Arshavin beat Israeli keeper Dudu Awat in the fifth minute of play.

Coming away with a tie on the road against such a formidable opponent was a significant achievement for a team that has suffered recently from several key injuries.

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Yaniv Katan and Michael Zandberg sat out the match, while team captain Yossi Benayoun started despite missing most of the team's practices.

Speaking about the injuries that have plagued his team, Israel coach Dror Kashtan said Thursday: "There are always players who are injured and there are always players who receive their chance. I want the best players, but I have never panicked if one player or another is unavailable."

Israel came away with victories in its first two qualifying matches, downing Estonia on the road 1-0 and crushing Andorra at home 4-1.