Analysis The numbers behind the result
Ireland dominate possession but Peretz cancels Parrott's penalty
Ireland's superiority in possession (55%) and shot volume (16 to Israel's 10) masked a lack of cutting edge, with only 4 of their 16 shots testing the goalkeeper. Israel, despite seeing less of the ball (45% possession), were more clinical — converting 1 of 2 shots on target via Dor Peretz's 47th-minute equaliser after Troy Parrott's 39th-minute penalty had given Ireland the lead.
The hosts' territorial dominance (10 shots inside the box to Israel's 5) was undermined by poor shot selection, with 6 efforts blocked and another 6 off target. Israel's compact 5-4-1 — evident in their higher foul count (15 to Ireland's 13) and three first-half yellow cards — limited clear chances despite Ireland's 3 corners matching Israel's. The decisive stat was conversion: Israel scored from their only big chance (Peretz cancelling Parrott's spot-kick) while Ireland wasted multiple half-chances.