Israel knocked out of Euro playoffs after losing shootout to Scotland

Teams go 0-0 during 120 minutes of play, but Scottish goalkeeper blocks penalty by Israeli star Eran Zahavi to send the blue and white players packing

By Kieran CANNING 9 October 2020, 10:17 am

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Israeli players watch the penalty shootout during the Euro 2020 playoff semi-final soccer match between Scotland and Israel at Hampden Park, Glasgow, on October 8, 2020. (Andy Buchanan/AFP)

LONDON (AFP) — Scotland won their first ever penalty shootout to beat Israel in the Euro 2020 semi-final playoffs.

Eran Zahavi, Israel’s star player who recently signed for Holland’s PSV Eindhoven, had his penalty saved in the shootout.

Scotland are now one game away from their first major tournament in 22 years when they travel to Serbia on November 12, but were pushed all the way after neither side could find the net in 120 minutes at Hampden.

“It its another step forward to hopefully making a bit of history for the country,” said Scotland boss Steve Clarke. “Qualification is still in our hands. We know we’ve got a tough game but it is one that we’ll look forward to.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmhQciTaiKw

“I can feel there is something building. It’s another game unbeaten and you can feel the elation in the dressing room.”

Scotland’s players run to celebrate with midfielder Kenny McLean after he scores their fifth penalty to win the penalty shootout during the Euro 2020 playoff semi-final soccer match between Scotland and Israel at Hampden Park, Glasgow, on October 8, 2020. (Andy Buchanan/AFP)

Clarke’s preparations were thrown into chaos on Wednesday when three key players were ruled out.

Stuart Armstrong tested positive for coronavirus, while Kieran Tierney and Ryan Christie were forced into self-isolation for being in close contact with the Southampton midfielder.

The goal-threat and creativity offered by Armstrong and Christie was badly missed as Scotland labored to break down an Israeli side that has won just one of their last 10 internationals, including a 1-1 draw when they visited Hampden in the Nations League last month.

Manchester United’s Scott McTominay spurned the best chance of the game when he headed wide when completely unmarked from a corner just before half-time and Liam Cooper’s header hit the post with the last action of extra-time.