Israel, Scotland at 2-2 in second half of World Cup qualifier

Israel’s national soccer team was neck and neck with Scotland, 2-2, after the midpoint of Saturday’s World Cup qualifier in Glasgow.

The two teams were battling each other for second place in their group. Scotland currently holds the spot with 11 points so far, while Israel has 10 and is in third place overall.

Eran Zahavi gave Israel the early lead with a free-kick from outside the penalty box on five minutes after being fouled.

John McGinn equalized after 29 minutes, but Israel again took the lead almost immediately with Munas Dabbur slotting home after an Israeli free-kick ricocheted around the book.

Shortly before half-time, Scotland had the chance to equalize with a penalty after a foul narrowly judged to be just inside the penalty area.

But goalkeeper Ofir Marciano, who had apparently done some homework on Lyndon Sykes’ penalties, stayed in the center of the goal and was able to kick Sykes shot to safety.

After 57 minutes, Scotland did equalize, with a Dykes volley. Initially ruled out for dangerous play, the goal was allowed after a VAR review.

Marciano kept Israel in the game with a series of fine saves as Scotland dominated the second half and, urged on by the home crowd, sought a winning goal.

Denmark leads the group with 22 points.

The game is seen as a make-or-break moment for Israel if it is to have any hope of advancing.

In September, the Danes beat Israel 5-0, hurting the latter’s prospects of moving forward. For Israel, it was an abrupt return to reality after the euphoria of a 5-2 win against Austria.

Finishing second in Group F would give Israel or Scotland a playoff spot and a shot at reaching the World Cup. Scotland has not made it since 1998, while Israel has not qualified since 1970.