England's Euro 2008 fate is back in their own hands after Israel claimed a shock 2-1 win over Russia. Omer Golan poached an injury-time winner for Israel to leave England needing just a draw at home to Croatia next Wednesday to book a spot in the finals.
Israel had gone in front on 10 minutes through Elyaniv Barda before Diniyar Bilyaletdinov equalised for Russia on 61 minutes. Dmitri Sychev hit the post in the 90th minute for Russia, but Israel went up the other end to score a winner through Golan.
Fears that Israel would simply roll over were quickly dispelled as the home side started brightly, with Barak Itzhaki shooting straight at Vladimir Gabulov after dwelling on the ball too long. Moments later, though, Israel were ahead as Itzhaki slipped a superb ball through the Russian defence and Barda clipped a delightful finish over Gabulov.
Russia were struggling to build any momentum, although Bilyaletdinov tried to inject some urgency into the visitors - twice firing narrowly wide from outside the box.
Chelsea striker Ben Sahar, whose employed Roman Abramovich was in the crowd, unleashed a 30-yard drive straight at Gabulov after shrugging off his marker.
Aleksandr Anyukov fired into the side-netting for Russia before Roman Pavlyuchenko, who took care of England in October, was unable to capitalise on some risky defending by Tal Ben Haim.
The second half saw Russia take control of the game, although Pavlyuchenko headed over the bar before being replaced by Dmitri Sychev. Russia drew level on 61 minutes when Andrei Arshavin played in Bilyaletdinov and he fired home through the legs of Dudu Awat.
The Israeli keeper was then scrambling across his goal as Sychev's well-struck shot from 25 yards dipped just past the upright.
Israel almost stole a winner of audacious quality on 81 minutes when Gal Alberman impudently flicked a cross beyond the post.
In the final minute, Russia came agonisingly close to a winner when Sychev wriggled between two defenders only to see his shot from the edge of the box clip the outside of the post.
The action swung down the other end of the pitch and Golan finished confidently past Gabulov to leave England requiring just a point to join Croatia in the finals. (Sky Sport)
