Colautti celebrates 'dream start'

Israel striker Roberto Colautti was in emotional mood after scoring the only goal as his country opened their UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying campaign with an away win against Estonia.

Clearance granted
The Argentinian-born forward, who was cleared to play for Israel on Tuesday, announced himself on the international arena in perfect fashion with what proved to be the winner in Tallinn in the seventh minute. "I was very excited before the game and had tears in my eyes when the national anthem was played," the 24-year-old said. "I have family back in Israel and just can't find the words to describe my emotions whilst walking on the pitch wearing a white Israel shirt."

'Dream start'
Colautti was on hand to tap in after inspirational captain Yossi Benayoun's shot was spilled by Estonia goalkeeper Mart Poom but, despite providing an early demonstration of his predatory instincts, he insisted the real credit for the goal lay elsewhere. "I hardly did anything, it was Yossi who cut through their defence and I just the rolled the ball over the line," he said. "It was a dream start for me and I am really glad that this has happened." He will hope to continue his scoring run on Wednesday when Andorra provide the opposition in Israel's second Group E game.