Soccer / Beitar nearer to booking place in Europe

With more than a little bit of luck, Beitar Jerusalem yesterday made a significant step toward earning a spot in European competition. Lacking Barak Yitzhaki, Eliran Danin and Arik Benado, Beitar was far from polished but took away three points from Ashdod with a 2-1 triumph.

Toto Tamuz scored the winning goal two minutes into extra time after the hosts made a costly defensive miscue. Tamuz's previously pent-up frustration came out after the winning goal, as he ripped off his shirt, drawing a needless red card.

Prior to Tamuz's heroics, Beitar had taken a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute after Matan Ohayon of Ashdod fouled striker Amit Ben-Shushan in the penalty area, and Ben-Shushan scored from the ensuing penalty kick.

Ashdod equalized in the 58th minute after a deep pass from Amir Lavi found Idan Shriki, who hit the ball in an arc over Beitar goalkeeper Ariel Harush's head.

"We were much better than them," said losing coach Yossi Mizrahi after the match, "but we didn't score and we suffered a tough goal."

Injuries concern top teams ahead of clash

Ahead of tomorrow's match between the league's top two teams, Maccabi Haifa and Hapoel Tel Aviv are feeling more pressure than they would rather have to with the league championship on the line. Haifa's Dekel Keinan ditched practice Friday after hurting his ankle and was sent for a medical exam. Yesterday, the defender practiced with his ankle taped up, and team doctors say he should be okay for tomorrow's game of the season.

Hapoel Tel Aviv, meanwhile, will only know just before game time whether Dedi Ben Dayan will be available. The defender held a partial practice yesterday and had to leave because of recurring pains in his thigh. Youngster Gal Shish would take his place in an emergency situation.