Israel end on high in Malta

Israel ended their UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group F campaign on a high with a two-goal victory in Malta.

Having had their hopes ended last month with defeat in Croatia, Israel were playing for pride but goals from Lior Refaelov and Rami Gershon ensured they at least ended Group F in third place.

Refaelov struck on 11 minutes with a gem of a half-volley inside the Malta area after a superb pass by Taleb Twatha. Bebras Natcho was dominating the midfield for Israel with slick balls and Refaelov was a constant menace.

The home side, hoping to add to their one-point tally, improved in the second half and nearly grabbed a surprise equaliser when Gareth Sciberras saw his lovely headed effort bounce off the post. But Israel made sure of the three points late on with a well-worked goal from Gershon, whose header beat Malta goalkeeper Andrew Hogg all ends up from Nacho's neatly placed free-kick.