Israel loses to Cyprus in vital soccer qualifier

Israel has lost 2-1 to Cyprus in the vital European Championships soccer qualifying game at Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem. The home defeat all-but puts an end to Israel’s chances of qualifying for next year’s tournament.

A win would have given Israel a likely play-off place, but those hopes were quashed by the unexpected defeat. It is now in fourth place in the group and would need to beat Belgium away and hope other results worked in its favor in the final round of games to make the playoffs.

Having beaten Cyprus away earlier in the qualifying stages, Israel was the favorite to win at home tonight, but Cyprus took a 58th minute lead through Dossa Junior header. Israel’s Nir Bitton equalized with a glorious strike from outside the penalty area in the 76th minute. But as Israel poured forward in search of a winning goal, it was Cyprus that scored through Jason Demetriou in the 80th minute.

The home team left Teddy to boos from disappointed fans.