Israel out of Euro 2024 chase, Ukraine in dramatic fightback

Israel's hopes of reaching the European Championships for the first time against the background of bloody conflict at home were shattered by a 4-1 defeat to Iceland on Thursday while war-torn Ukraine stayed on course for the finals.

Due to the ongoing conflict against Hamas, Israel's tie was switched to Budapest and their hopes of making the finals of any major competition for the first time since the 1970 World Cup enjoyed a confident start.

On the half-hour mark, Daniel Leo Gretarsson was punished for bringing down Eran Zahavi.

The veteran Israeli striker picked himself up to steer the spot-kick past Hakon Valdimarsson in the Iceland goal.

The lead lasted less than 10 minutes, however, when Genoa's Albert Gudmundsson curled in a free-kick to equalise.

Just three minutes before halftime Iceland, who made the quarterfinals at the 2016 Euros, were ahead.

Gudmundsson swept over a corner and midfielder Arnor Ingvi Traustason was on hand to lash the ball home off a cruel deflection which wrong-footed Israel goalkeeper Omri Glazer.

Israel's Roy Revivo was sent-off in the 73rd minute but his team were then handed a golden chance to equalise seven minutes later when Gudmundur Thorarinsson was penalised for handball.

However, this time Zahavi dragged his penalty wide and Iceland soon made him pay.

In the 83rd minute Gudmundsson grabbed his second of the night after a surging run and then completed his hat-trick as the clock ran down.

Iceland will now face Ukraine on Tuesday with the winner to claim a spot in the finals in Germany.

Ukraine's hopes of making it to successive Euros were kept alive after a dramatic come-from-behind 2-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in Zenica.

Defender Amar Dedic unleashed a powerful drive just before the hour