Israel maintained their strong position in Group E with a 1-2 away win against F.Y.R. Macedonia in Skopje. Israel are locked in a strong Group E that also has England, Russia and Croatia battling it out for direct qualification for Euro 2008 finals.

Under-21 striker Barak Itzhaki repaid the faith shown by his coach as he put the Israel team ahead with just 11 minutes on the clock. Itzhaki's header was perfectly placed after he had received Idan Tal's right-wing cross. FYR Macedonia goalkeeper Nikolovski had no answer as the visitors took an early lead to calm down their nerves. Before this Ilco Naumoski had a chance to head home within five minutes from the start as he received a perfectly weighted free-kick from Darko Tasevski. However he headed over and Israel took the lead in 11 minutes.

Macedonia hit back within two minutes as Aco Stojkov unleashed a great shot from Goran Pandev's left-wing free-kick. Itzhaki almost increased Israel's lead in the next few minutes, but F.Y.R Macedonia goalkeeper Jane Nikolovski was alert enough to save his shot.

Israel coach Dror Kashtan watched with satisfaction as his team went ahead just before the interval with Roberto Colautti's header from a Tal cross. Tal was once again in the thick of the things as he nearly increased Israel's lead just minutes into the second half with an in swinging corner. Nikolovski fumbled to raise Israel's hopes, but managed to save it in the end.

Stevica Ristic had a chance almost immediately to restore parity, but Dudu Aouate in the Israel goal saw his shot skew off from danger. Aleksander Vasovski then tested the Israel keeper with a fine header in the 51st minute, but once again was thwarted by the ever alert Aouate.

Ristic and Stojkov pressed hard for an equalizer, but Israel hung on to stay in the hunt for a direct qualification for Euro 2008.

Israel is in the second spot in group E with 14 points from seven games, while F.Y.R. Macedonia is in the fifth spot with seven points from as many games. Israel meet Andorra on June 6. Macedonia v Israel ended 1-2.