Ninis goal gives Greece victory
Reuters - Friday 02 September 2011, 16:36
TEL AVIV - A second-half goal by Sotiris
Ninis helped Greece strengthen their position at the top of Euro
2012 Group F qualifying with a 1-0 victory in Israel on Friday.
Midfielder Ninis struck on the hour with a low shot from
outside the area and the visitors then put all their men behind
the ball for the last 30 minutes to keep the home team out.
"At half-time I told our players we had to maintain a strong
defence but also do a little bit more in attack," Greece's
Portuguese coach Fernando Santos told reporters.
"We did a very good job in the second half and our team had
chances to score."
A dull encounter played in hot and humid conditions in
mid-afternoon was more notable for the defensive efforts of both
sides, with no more than a handful of shots on target at either
end.
Greece top the group with 17 points from seven matches.
Croatia, who visit Malta later, are second with 13 points from
six games and Israel have 13 from eight.
Israel still retain outside hopes of qualifying for a major
tournament for the first time since the 1970 World Cup finals in
Mexico.
Coach Luis Fernandez said Greece's extra experience was the
difference between the two teams.
"We had to take risks and playing in the heat took its
toll," explained Israel's French boss.
"We had many youngsters, a new generation. I will always be
proud of these players and I will always support them."