Switzerland just failed to qualify for the European Championship on Wednesday. In Hungary, the Alpine country drew 1-1 against Israel. Switzerland did take the lead through Ruben Vargas, but just before the end Shon Weissman shot Israel to a deserved draw. Switzerland now has 16 points from 8 matches and is followed in Group I by Romania (16 from 8) and Israel (12 from 8).
Particularities:
The opening phase belonged to Switzerland, which forgot to reward itself. Vargas shot straight at goalkeeper Omri Glazer from close range. Halfway through the first half it was a small miracle that the visitors had not yet scored. However, Glazer had an answer to a free kick from Granit Xhaka, Noah Okafor shot against the crossbar and Vargas’ goal was disallowed for a foul.
Ten minutes before half time it was still a hit. A cross at the far post ended up with Vargas, who left Glazer without a chance with a header from close range: 0-1. Israel, however, did not make a bad impression and almost leveled just after half-time. Anan Khalaili headed onto the crossbar from close range, Switzerland got away well.
Opportunities became scarce, but the equalizer would still come. A cross from the right ended up with Weissman, who left Yann Sommer without a chance from close range: 1-1. For Israel, the late draw will feel like justice after referee Anthony Taylor ignored an obvious-looking handball from the Swiss in the box earlier in the second half.
Israel is four points behind the holy second place, which is now occupied by Romania. Yet there is still a significant chance that Israel will end up in that place. Israel will take on Romania at home on Saturday. The Eastern Europeans will then take on Switzerland in the final round, while Israel will face football giants Andorra.