Israel make Switzerland wait for Euro 2024 qualification
Ruben Vargas scored a header in the 36th minute to put the Swiss on track to seal the three points they needed to qualify from Group I with two games to spare, but they could not hold on. Coach Murat Yakin's Switzerland could still book their place in Germany for Euro 2024 with a win against visitors Kosovo in Basel on Saturday, before they travel to Bucharest to face Romania on Tuesday.
"It's the third time now that we have conceded very late on," Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer told Swiss broadcaster RTS. "In the second half we lost our organisation, we were a bit wild... we were not calm on the ball. And they had chances. Now we have two finals and we will do everything we can."
Israel, now playing home matches in Hungary due to the nation's war against Hamas in Gaza, still likely need to beat Romania on Saturday to remain in contention for a top-two finish and automatic qualification. The match took place on neutral territory in Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's home village of Felcsut, 35 kilometres west of Budapest.
The Pancho Arena, completed in 2014, is the home stadium of Hungarian top-flight side Puskas Akademia. The 3,900-seat venue's capacity is more than double the village's population. Orban and several hundred Israel supporters were in the stadium, along with a small number of Switzerland fans.
Israel fans held up placards showing the faces of hostages missing since the Hamas attack on October 7th and a minute of silence was held before kick-off.
Switzerland, knowing victory would send them to a sixth straight major tournament, made a fast start. The Swiss had the ball in the net in the 20th minute when AC Milan striker Noah Okafor blasted a shot against the crossbar, and Vargas headed in the rebound b
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