Russia 1-1 Israel: Ben Shushan forces late draw
MOSCOW, Oct 7 (Reuters) - A late equaliser from substitute Amit Ben Shushan gave Israel a 1-1 draw with Russia in their Euro 2008 Group E qualifier on Saturday.
The Russians made a flying start, Andrei Arshavin
outsprinting a defender in the fifth minute to slot the ball
inside the post from 10 metres.
Israel levelled from a rare counter-attack six minutes from
time as Shushan pounced to score after Russia goalkeeper Igor
Akinfeyev had saved from substitute Toto Tamuz.
The Israelis, who had shared top spot with England after
winning their opening games against Andorra and Estonia, now
have seven points.
Russia have two points under new Dutch coach Guus Hiddink.
Israel have not lost a competitive match for almost three
years after going undefeated in their 2006 World Cup qualifying
campaign.
The visitors, missing strikers Yaniv Katan and Omer Golan
through injury, rarely troubled Akinfeyev until Idan Tal tested
the CSKA Moscow keeper with a low drive from the edge of the box
early in the second half.
The home side dominated possession until their late lapse of
concentration cost victory.