Degen saves lucky Swiss

David Degen's injury-time equaliser earned Switzerland a point in Israel and maintained their unbeaten record in UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying Group 4.

Israel ahead
Having defeated the Republic of Ireland in their opening game last month, Switzerland found themselves behind 34 minutes into their fixture in Herzliya as Shay Abutbul latched on to a loose ball and sent a low powerful drive from the edge of the area past visiting goalkeeper Diego Benaglio.

Late leveller
Israel, who last month lost in France but defeated Cyprus, came close through Aviram Baruchyan and Barak Itzhaki, but neither could find the target and Benaglio also put in a superb display to keep Switzerland in the game. Then, in the 92nd minute, FC Basel 1893's Degen pounced during a goalmouth scramble to head in and ensure his side ended the day in the top two, just behind France.

Levy disappointed
Home coach Guy Levy, whose side travel to Cyprus on 16 November, said: "Disapointment is an understatement as we had so many chances to seal this win yet conceded an injury-time equaliser. We need to take our chances, but this is part of the game. We are still in the picture to win the group and will now prepare to face Cyprus."

'We were lucky'
Swiss coach Bernard Challandes concurred, saying: "Based on what had happened on the pitch today, a 2-0 defeat would have probably been a fair result. But we were lucky, there is no other way to describe it." His team return to action next March, when they travel to France.