Israel make Swiss wait for Euro 2024 qualification
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Israel's Shon Weissman celebrates after scoring against Switzerland in their Euro 2024 qualifier.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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FELCSUT – Switzerland were made to wait to secure qualification for Euro 2024, as Shon Weissman’s 88th-minute strike salvaged a 1-1 draw for Israel on Wednesday in a match moved to Hungary due to the Israel-Hamas war.
Ruben Vargas scored a header in the 36th minute to put the Swiss on track to seal the three points they needed to qualify from Group I with two games to spare, but they could not hold on.
Switzerland (16 points) can still book their place in Germany with a win against visitors Kosovo in Basel on Saturday, before they travel to Bucharest to face current co-leaders Romania on Tuesday.
“It’s the third time now that we have conceded very late on,” Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer told Swiss broadcaster RTS.
“In the second half, we lost our organisation, we were a bit wild... we were not calm on the ball. And they had chances.
“Now we have two finals and we will do everything we can.”
Israel, now playing home matches in Hungary due to the nation’s war in Gaza, most likely need to beat Romania (co-leaders with the Swiss on 16 points) on Saturday to remain in contention for a top-two finish and automatic qualification.
The match took place on neutral territory in Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s home village of Felcsut, 35km west of Budapest.
The Pancho Arena, completed in 2014, is the home stadium of Hungarian top-flight side Puskas Akademia. The 3,900-seat venue’s capacity is more than double the village’s population.
Mr Orban and several hundred Israel supporters were in the stadium, along with a small number of Switzerland fans.
Israel fans held up placards showing the faces of hostages missing since the Hamas attack on Oct 7 and a minute of silence was held before kick-off.
Switzerland coach Murat Yakin was not too pleased about the draw. “We saw two very distinct halves. During the first, we scored and constantly created danger,” he said. “We were, on the other hand, too passive after the break.
“We had opportunities to double the lead. In the end, we should have held on to the 1-0. But we have to stay positive. We still have our fate in our hands. This 1-1 is not a bad result as long as Israel is still four points behind.”
Israel coach Alon Hazan agreed that it was a game of two halves.
He said: “There are young, working, talented players here in my team. In the second half, there were those who took responsibility. It’s one of the best halves we’ve had.” AFP
