Wales produced a memorable away display to ease past Israel 3-0 at the Samy Ofer Stadium and climb to the top of the Group B standings in qualifying for Euro 2016.
Aaron Ramsey headed his side into a deserved lead on the brink of half time, before Gareth Bale struck twice to take advantage of Eitan Tibi's dismissal and extend the Dragons' unbeaten run this campaign to five games.
Israel, who had won all three of their previous outings coming into this one, struggled to get going from the off, being restricted to the odd half-chance.
Relive how the 90 minutes of action unfolded in Haifa with Sports Mole's live text coverage below.
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage of the Euro 2016 qualifier between Israel and Wales at the Sammy Ofer Stadium.
These two teams are currently unbeaten in Group B, although it is the home side who top the table having picked up maximum points from their opening three games. The Dragons can climb above their opponents with a victory in Haifa this evening, however, while taking a huge step towards reaching next year's finals in the process.
Kickoff is now less than an hour away, so let's begin by taking a look at how these two sides line up for this huge qualification clash...
TEAM NEWS!
ISRAEL STARTING XI: Marciano; Dgani, Ben Haim I, Tibi, Ben Harush; Natcho, Yeini, Zahavi; Ben Haim II, Refaelov, Damari
WALES STARTING XI: Hennessey; Gunter, Williams, Collins, Davies, Taylor; Allen, Ramsey, Ledley; Bale, Robson-Kanu
Let's start by taking a closer look at the visiting side, then, which includes star men Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey. A lot of the talk this week has surrounded the former of the duo, while the Arsenal midfielder has gone somewhat under the radar. He has failed to reach the previous high levels set so far this campaign for his national side, although Ramsey will no doubt play a key part this evening in what looks to be a 5-3-2 formation.
Hal Robson-Kanu is the man tasked with leading the line, with Burnley striker Sam Vokes only deemed fit enough for a place among the substitutes. It's never easy to pinpoint Bale's exact position on the field, but he is likely to play in a central attacking role, slightly behind Robson-Kanu, while Premier League pair Joe Ledley and Joe Allen will complete the forward options.
In defence, meanwhile, there is a 50th cap for skipper Ashley Williams, who will line up alongside the experienced James Collins. James Chester has been an ever-present so far in the heart of defence, but a shoulder injury sees him miss out on the travelling party altogether. Collins was brought back into the international fold by Chris Coleman prior to this campaign following a high-profile falling out, and he could play a huge part in Haifa against a buoyant Israel side.
As far as Israel are concerned, they can call upon five-goal top scorer Omer Damari, who is second only to England's Danny Welbeck in the overall scoring charts during this qualifying campaign. He may be languishing down in the second tier of German football at club level, but he has shown that he can certainly find the net on the international stage and Wales will have to pay him special attention today.
This Israel squad is built around team spirit more than any star individual talent, best epitomised by the inclusion of Charlton Athletic defender Tal Ben Haim at the back, and he is joined by his talented namesake who starts further up the field. The Blue and Whites are likely to field a 4-3-3 formation for this one, with Club Brugge forward Lior Refaelov also included in attack.
So two changes in all for Wales, then, with Collins replacing Chester and Ben Davies also being handed a starting berth in defence. Vokes will no doubt be called upon to play a part from the bench at some stage, while Andy King (suspension) and Ashley Richards (injury) both miss out altogether.
Expectant Wales supporters have travelled in large numbers once more this weekend, with more than 1,000 expected in the Samy Ofer Stadium away end:
Well this game may be taking part in a country steeped in history, and both sides will certainly be looking to make some history of their own during this qualification campaign. Israel have made a fantastic start, claiming nine points from nine to take control of the group while also boasting a game in hand over closest rivals Wales. An away win at Cyprus set the tone, with impressive heavy home wins over Andorra and Bosnia following up that opening-game success.
It was that victory over Bosnia back in October which really caught the attention, completely turning the group on its head. Belgium were expected to run away with this group, while Bosnia were strong favourites to claim that second automatic qualification spot. As it stands, though, with almost half the games now played, it is Wales and Israel who lay claim to the top-two places. That could all change before the end of this week, of course, with Israel taking on World Cup quarter-finalists Belgium in a few days' time.
Eli Guttman deserves huge credit for the way he has got his side performing, brushing aside Bosnia - albeit with a one-man advantage - to see his side claim maximum points so far. The Blue and Whites, who like Wales have never qualified for the European Championship finals, are seeking a fourth-straight win in a single qualifying campaign - something they have never previously achieved before.
I've already mentioned the goalscoring prowess of Damari, but in truth this whole side is set up to attack. Nine goals from their last three competitive games highlights that, while just two goals have been conceded. Even if they were to lose this evening, Israel are still likely to remain inside the qualification playoff zone.
DID YOU KNOW? Israel's only home defeat since November 2012 was the 3-1 reverse at the hands of Slovakia 12 months ago. In fact, looking at the wider picture, Guttman's men have lost just four of their last 11 competitive games both home and away. Ranked at 29th in the world, they will certainly be no pushovers this evening.
The Wales players will be sporting black armbands this evening as a mark of respect to the late Dai Williams who passed away recently:
Like Israel, Wales have made a solid enough start to their campaign, finding themselves unbeaten from four games to keep hopes alive of qualifying for a first major tournament since 1958. Coleman himself admitted that this game is arguably the biggest in more than a decade for the Dragons; the Euro 2004 playoff defeat against Russia. In truth, Wales have barely looked like ending their finals hoodoo in recent years, but this time around things appear to be a little different.
It was so nearly a case of 'same old' when Wales survived the ultimate humiliation of being held by minnows Andorra in their opening game. I was inside the ground on that warm evening in the Pyrenees Mountains, and the tension in those closing 10 minutes or so was simply unbearable. You can hardly condone pitch invasions, although the relief on the faces of each of those 1,000 travelling supporters was clear to see when Bale's free kick struck the back of the net late on.
Then it was a home double-header against Bosnia and Cyprus, which saw the Dragons take four points - job done. So far so good, then, but you have to be able to pull off the odd big result if you are to progress through to the Euro 2016 finals automatically. Wales did just that in Brussels last time out. Belgium, the fourth best team on the planet, were held to a goalless draw in their own backyard by the Welsh to keep this dream very much alive. Now its onto the next challenge: claiming a point or more against a determined Israel outfit.
Again, I was in Brussels that night a few months back, and it's hard to remember a goalless draw ever being celebrated in that manner as the joyous Welsh fans bobbed away to techno music in the crowded away section. Those loyal supporters, and the many more watching on outside the ground in city centre bars, have been starved of top-level football for nigh-on six decades now. But should Coleman navigate his side to a positive result this evening then the belief will reach fever pitch.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS: These two sides have met on four previous occasions, with Wales winning two and drawing two of those games. The last fixture came way back in 1989, however - a 3-3 draw in Israel - and it goes without saying that a lot has changed since then.
All this build-up and I've barely mentioned a certain Gareth Bale yet. He may have described his high-profile move as being "a dream" (one which has turned progressively sour in recent times), although the Cardiff-born star will tell you - off the record at least - that helping his national side qualify for a major finals will top the career highlights. They don't came any more passionate than Bale.
Elsewhere in Group B today, Belgium take on Cyprus in Brussels, while Andorra and Bosnia meet over in the tax-haven principality. Both those games kick off after the conclusion of this one, though, so it is a huge chance for both Wales and Israel to further strengthen their grip at the top.
PREDICTION: Both teams are now out on the field, with the national anthems being beautifully delivered. There's more than 1,000 travelling Wales supporters over in Haifa this evening, and they would give anything to see their side continue their push for Euro 2016 with a win here. With Bale in the side anything is possible, but Israel, as already mentioned, are certainly no pushovers. I'll go with a 1-1 draw - a better result for Wales than the hosts, you feel.
Kickoff is now just a minute or so away. A reminder - these two sides top the Group B standings, both having made unbeaten starts to their respective qualifying campaigns:
KICKOFF! Right, we're underway in Haifa and it is Wales who have seen more of the ball in the opening stages; the Israeli fans greeting each pass with loud jeers.
Wales capitalise on some sloppy play in midfield, but some terrific closing down from the hosts sees Ramsey forced back. Really good intensity from Coleman's charges in these opening three minutes.
Harush swings a ball into the box from the left in what is Israel's first attacking move, but it is somewhat overhit and rolls straight out of play on the far side. Following their positive start, Wales now seem happy to sit back a little more and soak up the pressure.
It's now the Dragons' turn to get forward, Gunter looking to pick out Bale in a central position only for the ball to be cut out before reaching its intended target. Ramsey then tried his luck with an unorthodox shot which ended well wide of goal in the end.
Ben Haim II swings in a decent-looking cross, which Collins does really well to head away at the front post. The home side are certainly focusing on attacking down this left-hand side, although they have had no joy so far.
SHOT! A let off for Israel, as another sloppy mistake in midfield allows Bale some time and space to charge towards the opposition box. He dragged his shot a little wide of goal from around 20 yards out in the end, but that must serve as a warning for the hosts.
Wales are playing some really nice football in midfield, instigated by Joe's Ledley and Allen, and they are looking to get the ball into advanced areas. There's nothing wrong with being patient, because as witnessed a few minutes ago with that sighter of goal for Bale, the chances will certainly come.
I just praised the good passing play of the Dragons, but Collins played a sloppy pass out of defence a few moments ago, kicking the ball straight out of play for a throw, which allowed Israel to turn over possession. Guttman's side are seeing more of the ball now, without really doing a lot with it.
Another cross comes into the box, this time from the right, which Hennessey does well to race out and catch. Wales pushed up the other end, where they have just enjoyed their best spell of the game. Ramsey had a shot blocked, before Allen found himself in some space inside the box. Some good defending forced him away from goal, likewise with Bale who just couldn't work the space for a shot.
CHANCE! What an absolute howler from James Collins! This has been a terrific spell for Wales, which culminated in Bale picking out the centre-back at the back post who had half the goal to aim for. The ball simply got stuck under his feet, though, with the Israeli defence being given time to get back and clear. What a chance!
CHANCE! Wales may rue not taking these chances, which are all falling their way in quick succession. Yet another sloppy pass is pounced on by Bale, but having charged into the box he saw his shot across goal blocked away. There is no doubt which side is on top at this moment in time.
Robson-Kanu drags a shot wide of goal, as Wales continue to plug away. We've seen a quieter spell over the past few minutes, but Coleman will be delighted with what he has seen so far. A mistake from Collins at the back up the other end could have proved costly, meanwhile, but it passed by unpunished.
No goals inside the opening 26 minutes in Haifa, but plenty of positive play from Wales:
Things have quietened down since that frantic two-minute spell which saw Wales boss possession. I expected more from Israel in truth, because they have not shown a great deal of attacking intent so far. Their best bet looks to be piling bodies forward and swinging in crosses from wide areas.
Wales have had little defending to do this evening, but there is a sense that the Blue and Whites are perhaps starting to turn a little more towards attack mode. The trouble with that is Wales look well set-up to break, particularly through the pace of Bale.
A rare attacking move from the hosts sees Zahavi cross the ball into the box, and Hennessey is forced to push it behind for a corner. Wales hit their opponents on the counter from the resulting corner kick to win themselves a set piece, which ultimately came to nothing.
Gunter is doing well down the right, getting another cross into the box in a fairly decent position which Israel are forced to turn away. This game appears to be going through phases where either side takes it in turns to attack, and right now Wales are looking the more likely to find a breakthrough.
Some additional width wouldn't go amiss for Wales at this stage, while Vokes will certainly add something a little different in attack when he's introduced later in the game. A of this game is being decided in midfield.
The jeers from home supporters will be music to the ears of each Wales player. They once more push forward in attack, and Gunter is given time and space to swing another cross into the box, but he gets his first touch all wrong before slipping and seeing the opening fade away.
Williams has not had a great deal to do this half, but he can always been relied upon to clear away danger when it does show a sign of coming. Zahavi's cross being cleared away by the skipper, who is representing his adopted country for the 50th time this evening.
A big concern here for Israel as top-scorer Damari hits the turf. He had nobody around him and was quick to signal to the bench when going down, with what appears to be a hamstring injury. A huge blow if he is unable to continue, as appears to be the case.
ISRAEL SUB: Indeed Omari does hobble down the tunnel, meaning that the home side's main man will play no further part. Almeria's Tomer Hemed is the man to replace him in attack.
GOAL! ISRAEL 0-1 WALES (RAMSEY)
Wales get exactly what they deserve, although it comes somewhat out of the blue. This half has been petering out for the past five minutes or so, not helped by that injury to Omari, but with a minute of the half left to play Ramsey heads his side ahead. Bale knocked the ball into a central position, and the Arsenal midfielder sent a fine looping attempt over the reach of Marciano.
HALF TIME: ISRAEL 0-1 WALES
Ramsey has been a little underwhelming during this qualifying campaign if truth be told, but that is one of the biggest goals of his career to date. What a time to bag it - right on the brink of half time to send Wales into the interval a goal to the good at the Samy Ofer Stadium.
It has been an entertaining half of football on the whole, and there is no denying that Wales have been the better side in an attacking sense. Collins was guilty of failing to tap the ball into an empty net, while Bale has found himself in a few promising positions without making a way through.
Incidentally, that was Ramsey's ninth international goal, and it is enough to send the Dragons to the top of Group B as things stand. There's still 45 minutes to play, of course, but Chris Coleman's side simply have to continue from where they left off in that first half and really get in the faces of the opposition defenders.
The views of Israeli-based journalist Raphael Gellar:
In terms of possession in the first half, it was pretty balanced with Israel just edging things having seen 52% of the ball. Wales had seven attempts compared to their opponents' two, meanwhile, with both teams getting away one shot on goal. The all-important statistic shows that the visitors hold the advantage at the break; a huge second half now awaits.
RESTART! We are back underway in Haifa, Wales now kicking from right to left. Israel are without their talismanic striker, who limped off at the end of the first half just moments before Ramsey struck.
Ledley is currently down on the field receiving some treatment, and it doesn't look great from a Welsh perspective. Physio Sean Connolly is just assessing the damage, but his evening appears to be over.
WALES SUB: As expected Ledley is unable to continue; David Vaughan on in his place for his first appearance of this campaign. I can only assume the Crystal Palace midfielder picked up a knock in the first-half which he was unable to shake-off.
YELLOW CARD! Eitan Tibi has been poor throughout, and he has just brought down Bale right on the edge of the box to give Wales a free kick in a fine shooting position.
GOAL! ISRAEL 0-2 WALES (BALE)
Was there ever any doubt? A free kick just a few inches outside the box is sent right into the top corner of the net by the world's most expensive player in an almost identical manner to the one he dispatched away at Andorra. The celebrations showed just how much that meant to him; what a moment for Wales, what a moment for the travelling Welsh supporters.
RED CARD! It is all badly unravelling for Israel, who are now down to 10 men. Tibi, booked just a couple of minutes ago when he brought down Bale, is guilty of fouling the Real Madrid star again which leaves the referee with little choice but to pull out a red card.
CHANCE! Well what an incredible seven minutes or so it has been for Wales either side of the interval. Two goals up and a man to the good, as they close in on a two-point lead at the Group B summit. Bale could have bagged another, too, but he could only fine the side-netting after bursting through on goal from a tight angle.
I was going to ask whether Coleman would perhaps stick or twist for the remaining 35 minutes or so, but it is clear that the gameplan is going to remain the same. Robson-Kanu becomes the latest man in red to try his luck, firing narrowly wide of goal from range.
Israel have seen a fair bit of the ball over the past few minutes, with Wales sitting back a little. That could be a dangerous game should it remain the case for a prolonged period of time, but the Dragons remain well in control of the contest right now.
All the noise inside this six-month old ground is coming from the packed away section. Those 1,000 or so travelling supporters are loving every minute of this right now, with Wales on the brink of making it five games unbeaten at the start of this qualifying campaign.
ISRAEL SUB: Celtic midfielder Nir Biton has been introduced for the final 30 minutes or so. Could that act as the spark the home side need to get back into the game?
He really is a special player, regardless of what a large majority of Real Madrid supporters may tell you:
SHOT! An awkward spell for Wales, which can be excused when you're sitting on a two-goal lead. The ball was allowed to bounce around in the box, and it looked as though replacement striker Hemed flicked it goalwards. Hennessey was not too troubled, though, keeping the ball out at his near post with relative ease in the end.
Israel had a spell of four or five minutes where they were on top, without causing a great deal of problems for the visitors, while normal service has now been resumed. Twenty-three minutes for the Dragons to see out, with the reward a place at the top of the Group B standings if they can do so.
WALES SUB: We were always likely to see the returning Vokes at some stage this evening, but the game was never supposed to be this comfortable when he was introduced. Robson-Kanu is withdraw, with the Burnley forward now tasked with leading the line.
SAVE! what an impact from Vokes, on what is his first appearance on the international stage in more than a year. He initially raced in behind but found himself at a tight angle so was unable to shoot, but he needed no second invitation to fire away in the next phase of play, forcing Marciano into making a big stop to deny him a goal.
Half a chance for Ramsey, who found himself in on goal after combining well with Bale. Marciano was quick to read the danger, however, racing off his line to deny the midfielder a real shot on goal.
A reminder that Israel return to action on Tuesday night when they play their game in hand against Belgium. That could potentially change the whole complexion of the group, but before then we have two more Group B fixtures this evening. As things stand the Dragons are looking down on the chasing pack - now doesn't that sound good!
A really good piece of goalkeeping from Hennessey, who clawed away a cross from the right, denies Hemed the chance to head home from just a few yards out.
GOAL! ISRAEL 0-3 WALES (BALE)
Game. Set. Match. Bale may be struggling at club level, but once more he has helped his Wales on their way to an historic victory in Haifa. He has linked up majestically with Ramsey this evening, and it was the Arsenal midfielder who picked out his teammate in a central position inside the area for this goal, allowing Bale to divert the ball into the bottom corner.
A little scare for Wales as Ramsey goes down, but he appears to be free of any sort of injury. Prior to the Bale goal, the visitors were perhaps showing a few signs of the jitters, but that has certainly been put behind them now and this one is now all about dotting the i's and crossing the t's.
Bitton also picked up a knock a few minutes ago, and having used all their subs already Israel will now play out the remainder of the game with nine men. When your luck's against you...
SAVE! Hennessey is forced into pulling off a big save at one end to keep out Sahar's attempt at his near post, while up the other Bale produced some sublime footwork to close in on goal, only for Marciano to push his attempt behind for a corner.
Bale picks out Vokes with a nice ball over the top, but the substitute can only pick out the side-netting. Wales ending this game on top, somewhat appropriately because they have been fantastic this evening.
In the middle of all that Ramsey was withdrawn having picked up that knock a little earlier. Shaun MacDonald is given a rare run-out as the visiting fans continue to chant away in the higher reaches of the ground.
Wales still pushing bodies forward, but unable to add to their tally. The Dragons are making a mockery of the 11-point difference between themselves and Israel in the FIFA rankings. It's also a first win at a side in the top 50 away from home in nearly a decade.
FULL TIME: ISRAEL 0-3 WALES
So there we have it - Wales top Group B for a few days at least. They produced one of their all-time great performances away from home this evening, taking the lead right at the end of the first half through Ramsey, before strengthening their advantage through a Bale brace in the second half.
Five games played, 11 points picked up and a place at the top of the standings heading into the midway point of the qualifying campaign. Could this finally be Wales's year? There's still plenty of twists and turns to come, of course, but things are certainly looking up for Chris Coleman and Co.
Well that's all from me for this evening, but be sure to stick around on Sports Mole as we continue our live coverage of the latest batch of Euro 2016 qualifiers shortly.
