Israel show spirit in Slovenia
Friday, September 5, 2003
Article summary
Slovenia 1-2 Israel Omer Golan scores a late winner to secure comeback victory for Israel.
Article body
Third place race
Israel had already held Slovenia in June, and in what they will hope will be a premonition for tomorrow's UEFA EURO 2004™ meeting between their senior sides, picked up a win that lifts them to within a point of Slovenia, who lie third in Group 1.
Slovenian lead
The home side seemed to be on their way in the 19th minute when lively HNK Hajduk Split player Klemen Lavric converted a penalty. However, that goal woke the visitors up and they gradually wrested control of the match.
Israel comeback
Yosef Shivhon levelled the scores in the 35th minute, and from that point it seemed that an away win was a distinct possibility. And it came to pass nine minutes from the end when Reuven Oved beat two defenders and set up Omer Golan to score.
French test
Israel now welcome Malta to Antalya, Turkey on Tuesday, while the same night Slovenia must beat group leaders France to stay in the running for a top-two place.