Second-half goals give Israel victory
Tuesday, September 9, 2003
Article summary
Israel 3-0 Malta Goals from Tamir Cohen, Omer Golan and Reuven Over secure an important win.
Article body
Three second-half goals helped Israel secure a second victory in four days as they defeated Malta 3-0 in Antalya.
All to play for
The win moved Moshe Sinai's side up to ten points and, coupled with Friday's 2-1 victory away to Slovenia, kept alive their hopes of claiming second place in UEFA European Under-21 Championship Group 1. Israel end their qualifying campaign with a visit to group leaders France on 11 October, while second-placed Cyprus, who hold a two-point advantage over Sinai's team, are at home to Slovenia the following night.
Two quick goals
After an even first half, Israel took the lead 12 minutes into the second period through Tamir Cohen, and doubled their advantage six minutes late as Maccabi Petach-Tikva's Omer Golan – who scored the winner against Slovenia - found the net.
Oved on target
Rueven Oved could have effectively sealed the points in the 69th minute only to see his effort hit the woodwork, but the Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC playmaker did confirm the win two minutes from time, adding a third.