Kashtan calls for maximum effort

Having never before graced a UEFA European Championship finals, Israel coach Dror Kashtan is adamant that his side could break the duck by sealing a place at UEFA EURO 2008™ - though only if they take maximum points from here on in.

England loss
With home games against Russia and F.Y.R. Macedonia to come, that will be no easy task, though first they must travel to Zagreb to take on Group E leaders Croatia. Having being swept aside 3-0 away against England in their last outing, it will be an uphill struggle; one that begins to resemble a fraught vertical climb when you consider the number of key players Kashtan is missing through injury and suspension.

Key absentees
Salim Toama became the latest withdrawal with a back, joining a long list of absentees that already includes Dudu Awat, Idan Tal, Yaniv Katan and Roberto Colautti, while Arik Benado is suspended. Barak Itzhaki is also doubtful with a knee knock but Kashtan is determined not to dwell on his ills, saying: "Before the defeat by England we controlled our own fate, but now we are dependant on how England and Russia do. Yet we must do what we can and we cannot afford to drop points in our remaining matches."

Croatia form
Arsenal FC's Eduardo da Silva struck a hat-trick as Croatia triumphed 4-3 in the reverse fixture eleven months ago, a result that has helped Slaven Bilić's team claim a commanding hold in Group E. Croatia lie three points clear at the summit with England (on 20 points), Russia (18) and Israel (17) seemingly vying for the second qualifying berth. "Croatia are a very strong side which was evident as they beat us in Israel and they also managed good results against Russia and England," said Kashtan.

Benayoun determined
It is something not lost on talismanic captain Yossi Benayoun, who has discovered a rich vein of form in England for Liverpool FC since Israel's disappointing defeat last month. "We know what didn't work for us at Wembley and hope that will not be repeated," he said. "We know that they [Croatia] are favorites but we have a squad of very talented players who will all give 100 per cent and hopefully it will be enough."