Kazakh resolve keeps Israel grounded

Israel 1-1 Kazakhstan
Israel suffered a stuttering start to their 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification bid after being held to a 1-1 draw by a Kazakhstan side reduced to ten men in Haifa.

Kazakh comeback
The hosts were hoping to christen Group 6 with a victory and went ahead through Maor Buzaglo four minutes before half-time, following good build-up play from Beitar Jerusalem FC duo Toto Tamuz and Idan Vered. Israel's chances were given a further boost when Bakyt Abuov was dismissed for a second bookable offence almost immediately after the restart, but despite their numerical disadvantage the visitors struck back with 62 minutes gone, Ruslan Kenetaev the first to react after goalkeeper Ariel Harush had failed to push a shot to safety.

Iwanir disappointed
"We dominated the match but there's no consolation in that," commented Israel coach Motti Iwanir afterwards. "It's a slap in the face, but a good one to get as it's the first game and there's still time to make amends. Now we must go out and win in places where we never expected to win."