Israel 1-0 Scotland: Disappointment for our Euro 2020 heroes this time
After the euphoria of events in Serbia six days earlier, Scotland – with Motherwell FC aces Stephen O’Donnell and Declan Gallagher again in the team – suffered a disappointment in Israel last Wednesday night.
The Scots failed to add Nations League promotion to their historic Euro 2020 qualification as they slipped to a 1-0 loss.
Matching the Czech Republic’s result at home to Slovakia would have lifted Steve Clarke’s squad to League A.
But Manor Solomon’s powerful strike just before half-time condemned Scotland to a second successive Group B2 defeat.
The Czechs’ 2-0 win secured top spot in the group for them.
Having followed qualification for their first finals in 23 years by losing 1-0 in Slovakia on Sunday to end their nine-game unbeaten run, Clarke’s side ended an historic week on a low in Netanya.
The potential World Cup play-off for Nations League group winners slipped through Scotland’s grasp as Israel gained revenge for last month’s Euro play-off semi-final loss.
Motherwell defenders Declan Gallagher and Stephen O’Donnell both had second half chances to score which came and went.
As Clarke’s men kept plugging away, they piled on a sustained spell of pressure which culminated in Gallagher failing to hit the target when he rose unchallenged.
With the Czechs 2-0 up before the 60-minute mark, Scotland knew only a win would do.
It never looked likely but wasn’t for a lack of trying.
O’Donnell sprinted down the right and forced a diving save from Marciano, who then tipped over a miscued Kieran Tierney cross.
Eyal Golasa could have put the result beyond doubt had Scotland keeper David Marshall not denied the substitute with a smart save with his legs.
Even a point proved beyond the Scots - a header from Scott McKenna rippled the side-netting and Leigh Griffiths fluffed a chance from eight yards - as they crashed back down to earth after the euphoric highs of Belgrade.