SM
Watford vs. Leeds: 20 hrs 15 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
IN
World Cup Qualifying - Europe | Group Stage
Oct 9, 2017 at 7.45pm UK
 
SN

0-1

 
FT(HT: 0-0)

Asier Illarramendi nets stunner in Spain win

:Headline: Result: Asier Illarramendi nets stunner in Spain win: ID:309178: from db_amp
Spain round off their 2018 World Cup qualification campaign with a 1-0 win over Israel in Jerusalem.

Spain have rounded off their 2018 World Cup qualification campaign with a 1-0 win over Israel in Jerusalem.

La Roja had already booked their spot in next summer's tournament courtesy of a 3-0 victory over Albania on Friday, and a stunning effort from Asier Illarramendi saw them end Group G on 28 points.

Only Sergio Ramos remained from the Spain side that started against Albania, and the headline team news was an international debut for Las Palmas attacker Jonathan Viera. Illarramendi and Aritz Aduriz were also handed starts, as were Marco Asensio and Pedro in forward positions.

As for Israel, Brighton & Hove Albion forward Tomer Hemed led the home side's line, while former Chelsea, Manchester City and Portsmouth defender Tal Ben Haim won his 96th cap at the age of 35.

Former West Ham United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Yossi Benayoun started on the bench alongside Celtic's Nir Bitton.

It was Spain that had the game's first shot on target in the third minute, but Israel goalkeeper Ariel Harush comfortably kept out a long-range strike from Asensio.

As expected, it was the visitors that dominated the early possession, but Israel were a threat on the counter-attack, with Maor Melikson and Eilran Atar supporting lone forward Hemed.

Almog Cohen hit one from distance in the 20th minute as Israel continued to impress, and backed by a vocal crowd, the home side were growing in confidence as the first period developed.

Spain had another half-chance just before the 30-minute mark when Aduriz met a high ball inside the Israel box, but his header was gathered by Harush, who was the busier of the two goalkeepers in Jerusalem.

Harush was again called into action in the 33rd minute to keep out a long-range strike from Ramos, before Asensio sent one wide of the Israel post in the latter stages of what proved to be a goalless first period.

Pedro had easily the best chance of the first half in the 43rd minute after being sent through by Viera following a quick Spain counter-attack, but the Chelsea attacker could not find a route past Harush.

Iago Aspas came off the Spain bench at the interval to replace Ramos, and there did seem to be more purpose about the visitors at the start of the second period, with Viera firing just over the crossbar after another slick move.

Israel were also threatening, however, with Hemed turning a low cross wide of Pepe Reina's post in the 49th minute.

Not too much happened in the 15-minute period that followed, with Israel holding firm in their defensive shape as Spain struggled to find that elusive pass in the final third of the field.

Aduriz should have netted 25 minutes from time after a low Asensio cross fell into his path, but the Athletic Bilbao forward somehow failed to make contact at the near post.

Spain came on strong after the introduction of Isco, with the Real Madrid midfielder injecting some much-needed quality into the final third of the field. Jose Callejon soon followed, while Benayoun was introduced for Israel.

It was the visitors that made the breakthrough in the 76th minute when Illarramendi's half-volley from distance flew into the back of the net.

Asensio thought that he had made it 2-0 in the latter stages after netting from close range, but the Real Madrid attacker was flagged offside as Illarramend proved the difference between the two teams on the night.

amp_article__309178 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2017-10-13 22:09:47:
html db last update - 2021-03-06 23:41:52 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html
Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal28204470244664
2Liverpool28197265263964
3Manchester CityMan City28196363283563
4Aston Villa29175760421856
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs28165759421753
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd28152113939047
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham2912894650-444
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2811985044642
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves28125114244-241
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle281241259481140
11Chelsea27116104745239
12Fulham29115134344-138
13Bournemouth2898114152-1135
14Crystal Palace2878133348-1529
15Brentford2975174154-1326
16Everton2887132939-1025
17Luton TownLuton2957174260-1822
18Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2967163551-1621
19Burnley2945202963-3417
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2835202474-5014
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .