Israel ties Ireland 2:2
Israel starts off on wrong foot in Dublin but makes amazing turnaround, keeps up tenacious defense in second half
Dublin, Ireland – Israel tied Ireland 2:2 in a nail-biting game at Dublin’s Landsdowne Road Stadium.
The two soccer teams squared off to see who would make it to the top of World Cup Qualifying Group and a chance to win the 2006 World Cup. In the beginning, Israel took a beating from Ireland.
Ireland opened aggressively. Ian Harte stunned goalie Dudu Awat in the 6th minute with a perfect free kick from outside the box, and striker Robbie Keane took advantage of a hole in the Israeli defense to make it 2:0 after only 11 minutes of play.
Israeli comeback
But 40 minutes into the game, Israel came back as Avi Yechiel avoided John O’Shea from Manchester United
and headed in a Yossi Benayoun cross to make it 2:1.
A few minutes later, O’Shea pushed Yossi Benayoun in the penalty box and the Greek referee awarded the Israeli squad a penalty kick. Avi Nimni's first attempt was disqualified, but kick number two delivered the goods, and the score was even before half time.
Defense!
In the second half of the game, Israel put up a terrific defense, rebuffing repeated Irish attempts to score. Israeli fans held their collective breath when at the 97th minute, Ian Harte took another free shot at Israel's goal, but the kick was high.
