Omer Golan after scoring winning goal
Photo: Eli Elgarat
Israel kept England alive in European Championship qualifying, beating Russia 2-1 Saturday.
Russia could have effectively qualified for next year's tournament with a win, but Omer Golan scored in injury time to give the hosts a victory and put the Russians in danger of missing out.
Israeli players celebrate, Russians disappointed (Photo: Eli Elgarat)
Israel's win also sent Croatia to the tournament in Austria and Switzerland from Group E. Russia had put itself in control of gaining a berth with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over England in Moscow last month. But England can now qualify with a draw against visiting Croatia on Wednesday.
Russia plays last-place Andorra the same day, and needs a win combined with an England loss. Elyanic Barda gave Israel the lead at Ramat Gan Stadium in the 10th minute, but Diniyar Bilyaletdinov equalized in the 61st.