Greece kept top spot over Switzerland with a tight win over Israel in Crete, after the two sides drew 1-1 on Saturday, last week.

Greece took the lead after 32 minutes with a goal from Dimitrios Salpigidis, but Israel fought back to level the score ahead of the hour mark, just as they did in the reverse fixture in the previous meeting.

Their resistance was not enough to keep Greece from their first win in three competitive matches, as a crafty Greek offense regained the lead through Samaras, the Celtic striker.

Only goal difference separates the Greeks and the Swiss, with Latvia three points behind the leading duo and Israel a point behind in fourth place.

With the match a ‘make-or-break’ fixture for both sides, a both side had a nervous start to the match.

Greece forged its first attack through Angelos Charisteas, with a run down the flank after receiving the ball from strike partner Theofanis Gekas, though the attack failed to test the goal keeper.

Israel defended in numbers, ensuring a dry spell for Greece ahead of the half-hour mark.

But if there was going to be a breakthrough ahead of the interval, Greece’s confident attack was the likely route.

A well orchestrated corner was poorly cleared by the Israel defense as Dimitrios Salpigidis pounced on the loose ball.

The shot on goal by thethe Panathinaikos striker beat Aouate in goals to send Greece ahead on 33 minutes.

Buoyed by the break through, Greece staged a series of raids on the Israeli goal.

While the Greek attack was confident in their approach, the Isrealis managed to restrict the Greek lead to just one goal ahead of half-time.

Sensing that it faced an uphill battle to at least secure a point in Greece the Israelis introduced Yossi Benayoun during the break.

Despite the addition of the highly-touted Liverpool midfielder, Greece were still able to penetrate the Israeli defense.

A creative stroll by Giorgos Karagounis resulted in Charisteas finding Gekas with a pin-point cross, but the free-header by the on-loan Portsmouth was wide.
Israel’s staged a concerted comeback soon after the Gekas miss which was rewarded with a goal.

Sloppy defending inside the Greek box resulted in a loose ball falling for Elyaniv Barda, who fired a hard shot on goal past a confused Chalkias.
Deflated by the equalizer, Greece was forced to start from square one.

Knowing their hopes of reaching the finals in South Africa would be hampered by a draw, Rehhagel’s troops worked hard for another goal.

Their efforts were rewarded when Vasilis Torosidis put his body on the line to earn a penalty for Greece.

Celtic striker Giorgios Samaras stepped up to take the decisive penalty and showed great composure to score, restoring the Greek lead on 67 minutes.

Samaras had a chance to put the match beyond the Israelis on 77 minutes.

The lanky striker was in position to make the most of a Giourkas Seitaridis cross but poor judgment from Samaras saw his effort smash into the crowd of Israeli defenders.

Another chance to score from a breakaway by Kostas Katsouranis was foiled at the final moment.

Greece held on to collect three points to stretch their total to 13 points, and increase their lead over Israel, who are in fourth spot, to four points.