Israel see off Macedonia for victory in qualifier

Israel picked their first victory of their World Cup qualifying Group G campaign with a 2-1 defeat of Macedonia in Skopje.

Tomer Hemed and Tal Ben Haim scored to give Israel a 2-0 lead at the interval before Ilija Nestorovski pulled one back for the hosts, who then squandered a great chance of earning a point when Adis Jahovic's stoppage-time penalty was saved.

Israel went ahead in the 25th minute when Eyal Golasa was given too much time and space down the left wing and his cross was powerfully headed past Martin Bogatinov by Hemed.

And they doubled their advantage two minutes before the interval when they hit Macedonia on the break with a swift counter-attack finished off superbly by Ben Haim after his sharp turn gave him the space to curl the ball beyond Bogatinov.

The home side reduced the arrears in the 63rd minute when Stefan Spirovski's ball into the box picked out Nestorovski and he drilled the ball low into the net.

Macedonia were then awarded a penalty five minutes into stoppage time when Eitan Tibi was dismissed for bringing down Nestoroski but Jahovic saw his spot-kick saved by David Goresh.