Cris of life: Portugal still face fight to qualify for World Cup after last gasp goal earns a point with Israel
By THOM DRAKE
Cristiano Ronaldo once again faces the prospect of having to reach a major tournament through the play-offs after Portugal drew their World Cup qualifier with Israel in Tel Aviv yesterday.
It could have been even worse for the Portuguese, who were a goal down going into the third minute of added time. But Ronaldo’s Real Madrid team-mate Fabio Coentrao struck to rescue a 3-3 draw.
The result leaves both countries on eight points and with little chance of catching Group F leaders Russia, who can go seven points clear if they beat Northern Ireland today after their match fell victim to snow last night.
Tussle: Portugal's Bruno Alves is held by his keeper Rui Patricio when arguing with Israel's Tomer Hemed
Relief: Portugal's Fabio Coentrao grabs the ball after scoring a last-minute equaliser
Kiss of life: Portugal are level on points with Israel in second after Coentrao's leveller
That means Ronaldo’s only chance of appearing on the biggest stage in world football in Brazil next year could again hinge on the play-offs, providing Portugal beat Israel to second place.
Portugal, now third in the group on goal difference, finished as runners-up in qualifying groups for the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, beating Bosnia in a play-off on both occasions.
Coach Paulo Bento was disappointed at the prospect of having to rely on doing so again, after seeing his side concede three goals despite being on top for long periods at the Ramat Gan Stadium.
Shock on the cards: Israel players celebrate after Tomer Hemed scored Israel's first
Star: Cristiano Ronaldo tried his best to influence the game for Portugal
‘We weren’t aggressive enough in defence,’ said Bento. ‘We didn’t play well but had enough opportunities to win.’
Ronaldo may be prolific for his club, but he has rarely carried that form onto the international stage and he was quiet again yesterday before setting up a second-half goal for Helder Postiga.
By then Portugal were chasing the game, even though they took a second-minute lead through Bruno Alves, who headed in from Miguel Veloso’s corner.
Israel equalised in the 24th minute, Maor Melicsohn passing to Real Mallorca striker Tomer Hemed, who turned to shoot past Rui Patricio from 15 yards.
Super start: Portugal congratulate Bruno Alves on scoring after just two minutes to put them ahead
Home advantage: Israel came from behind to lead in front of their own fans
Postiga somehow fired into the side-netting after rounding Israel goalkeeper Dudu Aouate and Portugal were punished for that miss when the home side went ahead five minutes before half-time, Eden Ben Bassat crashing a shot beyond Patricio and into the roof of the net.
Israel looked to have sealed victory 20 minutes from time when Celtic defender Rami Gershon headed in unmarked from Bibars Natcho’s corner.
But two minutes later Ronaldo broke away and squared the ball for Postiga to reduce the deficit with a simple tap-in. Then, deep into stoppage time, Hugo Almedia headed against the bar and Coentrao was on hand to score from the rebound.
‘The fact that I am so disappointed after a 3-3 draw with Portugal says everything,’ said Israel’s coach, Eli Guttman.
Doesn't even bear thinking about: The World Cup could take place without Ronaldo and Portugal
Remember him? Former Spurs striker Helder Postiga, scorer of the second Portugal goal, gets past Tal Ben Haim
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