In a dour game in Tel Aviv, Ireland contrived to lose 2 points at the death of the game as Israeli sub Abbass Swan scored in the 90th minute. After a super start when Clinton Morrison hooked a shot past the defender to score after 4 minutes, the game turned sour. Ireland turned in a poor performance. Ireland seemed to sit back and let the home team attack at will.
With both Stephen Carr and Roy Keane picking up yellow cards and will miss the return game in June. Irish manager Brian Kerr, was disappointed with losing the win so late in the game, but is satisfied with 9 points half way through the qualification campaign.

Having played the 3 most likely challengers for qualification away from home and not losing, Ireland have the advantage of playing them at home in Dublin.