Israel claim late point against France
Wednesday, 30 March 2005 22:17Walid Badir headed a late equaliser to give Israel a 1-1 draw with France in their World Cup qualifier and keep the positions tight at the top of Group Four.
France took the lead in the 50th minute with David Trezeguet's header, but the striker soon turned villain and was sent off by referee Markus Merk for a head-butt on Israeli defender Tal Ben Haim.
Israel grew in strength after the sending off and had several attempts at the French goal, eventually finding the net through Badir from a cross on the left by Adoram Keisi.
France and Israel have 10 points from six matches, one point more than Ireland and Switzerland, who both have a game in hand.
The match was played at fast pace with the Israelis defending stoutly against the mostly inaccurate French assaults on their goal.
French goalkeeper Fabien Barthez was booed throughout the match by the Israeli fans who were protesting at what they saw as anti-Israel comments he had made last week.
Israel (0) 1 France (0) 1
Israel: Aouate, Saban, Ben Haim, Gershon, Keisi, Tal (Afek 66), Badir, Benayoun, Katan, Nimni, Balili. Subs Not Used: Cohen, Harazi, Revivo, Shivhon, Zandberg, Strul.Booked: Badir, Ben Haim, Gershon.
Goals: Badir 83.
France: Barthez, Sagnol, Boumsong, Givet, Gallas, Vieira,Pedretti, Diarra, Malouda, Wiltord (Dhorasoo 90), Trezeguet. Subs Not Used: Coupet, Zebina, Giuly, Henry, Abidal, Marlet.
Att: 44,000
Ref: Markus Merk (Germany).
