Missed penalty ends perfect record

Israel 0-0 Moldova
A missed penalty by striker Shai Holtzman meant that the friendly international between Israel and Moldova ended in a goalless draw in Tel-Aviv tonight.

Perfect record

Notable absentees
Israel were missing three key players, Haim Revivo of Galatasaray SK, Eyal Berkovic of Manchester City FC and Racing Santander's Yossi Benayoun, but began the brighter and won a penalty as Holtzman was brought down by Moldovan goalkeeper Evghenii Hmaruc.

Few chances
Holtzman got up to take the kick himself, but his low shot was well saved low down to his left by Hmaruc. Much of the remainder of the match was played in midfield, as neither side were able to create clear goalscoring chances, although Moldovan midfield player Vadim Boret tested Israeli goalkeepers Liran Strauber and Shavit Elimelech, a half-time substitute, with powerful shots, while Iurie Priganiuc's effort spun just wide of the Israel goal.

Missed opportunities
Grant was disappointed after the game, and admitted that his side had failed to make the most of the chances they had created. "When you miss a penalty and their keeper has such a great day, you cannot expect to win," he said.

Important prepapration
The match served as a preparation for the next UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying games. Israel, who lie second in Group 1, six points behind leaders France but with two games in hand, next face Cyprus in Limassol on 29 March and France in Palermo four days later.

Belarus trip
Moldova, meanwhile, are fourth in Group 3 having lost both their two games so far, and visit Belarus on 29 March.