The Israel national football team lost 3–2 to Scotland in the final moments of a crucial World Cup qualifier in Glasgow, putting pressure on any hopes of qualifying for next year’s tournament in Qatar.
Manchester United player Scott McTominay scored the deciding goal in the 94th minute with a corner kick from some distance.
Both teams fought for second place in their group, which guaranteed playoff participation for the final. Scotland’s victory – won after a heated and exciting match – puts them in second place with 14 points. Israel is in third place with ten points.
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Eran Jahavi nevertheless allowed the Jewish state to dominate the start of the meeting with a free kick outside the penalty area in the 5th minute.
John McGuin equalized 29 minutes later but Israel came back almost immediately in the 31st minute, knowing how to take advantage of an Israeli free kick.
Shortly before half-time, Scotland missed an opportunity to tie a penalty – a missed opportunity for Lyndon Dykes – after a foul with the ball just inside the penalty area.
Manor Solomon of Israel shields the ball with Scott McTominay of Scotland in the background during the Group F 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Scotland and Israel at Hampden Park Stadium in Glasgow on October 9, 2021. (Credit: AP Photo/Scott Heppel)
But goalkeeper Ophir Marciano placed himself in the middle and managed to deflect Dykes’ strike.
Eran Jahavi (out of the box) of Israel hits his team’s first against Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon with a free kick during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Group F qualifier between Scotland and Israel at Hampden Park Stadium in Glasgow on October 9, 2021 scored the goal (Andy Buchanan / AFP)
Scotland equalized in the 57th minute with a volley from Dykes. Initially rejected because it was considered a dangerous game, the goal was validated after re-examination.
Scotland midfielder John McGuin (7) celebrates with his team members after the Group F 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Scotland and Israel at Hampden Park Stadium in Glasgow on October 9, 2021 (Credits: Andy Buchanan / AFP)
Marciano kept Israel in the game with a stellar series of saves as Scotland dominated the second half and, cheered by the Glasgow crowd, the team looked to seal their victory for good.
Three minutes after stoppage time began, the Scots had a scoring opportunity with a McTominay corner which sent the ball straight to the far post. Israel could not make up for this lead in the score during the last seconds of the meeting.
Scott McTominay of Scotland waves to the crowd as he celebrates his victory over Israel after the Group F 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Scotland and Israel at Hampden Park Stadium in Glasgow on 9 October 2021 (Credit: AP Photo/Scott Heppel)
Denmark are at the top of the group with 21 points and have won their ticket from Qatar. The team thrashed Moldova 4-0 on Saturday evening.
Israel will host Moldova on 12 October, when Scotland, for its part, face the shortest of the competition, the Faroe Islands. Group F teams will play their final qualifying matches on November 12 and 15.
The meeting was decisive for the Jewish state.
In September, the Danes defeated Israel by a score of 5–0, reducing their chances. For the Jewish state, it was a brutal comeback after the excitement of a 5–2 scoreless victory over Austria.
If they finish second in Group F when all qualifying matches are over, Scotland will have a playoff game, perhaps giving themselves a chance to reach the World Cup, and Israel will be eliminated. Scotland has not qualified since 1998 and the Jewish state has not participated in the World Cup since 1970.
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