Wales boss Chris Coleman left hoping for a favour from Cyprus

06 September 2015 07:31

Wales manager Chris Coleman was left wishing for a Euro 2016 favour from Cyprus after watching his side being held to a goalless draw by Israel on Sunday.

The Dragons were denied the victory they required to reach France next summer, but Wales would still end their near 60-year wait to grace a major tournament if Belgium failed to beat Cyprus in the late kick-off in Nicosia.

"We've always taken care of our own business, but if Cyprus can do us a favour I'll take it," Coleman said.

"I don't care how we get to France as long as we get there.

"If someone else is going to do a little bit of work for you, then why not?

"But I don't expect Cyprus to do us any favours, it'll be a tough game for them.

"In that heat they'll be chasing the ball because Belgium, as they showed here, keep it and they're strong and powerful."

Wales produced a dominant performance but they could not unlock an Israel defence which showed far more resilience than in March, when they were beaten 3-0 by Coleman's side at home.

Andy King twice went close, Gareth Bale forced an excellent late save from Israel goalkeeper Ofir Marciano and substitute Simon Church had a header rightly disallowed in the final seconds.

Coleman also felt Wales should have been awarded a 66th-minute penalty when Bale's cross struck Eytan Tibi on the arm with Hal Robson-Kanu waiting to pounce.

"It was a penalty all day long - we should have had one in Cyprus as well," Coleman said.

"I won't complain too much, but it's a blatant handball.

"I don't know what the officials behind the goal are doing to be honest, when they have the best decision, they've got to make the call.

"How many times do you see that? I've never seen it, other than the penalty against us in Andorra!"

Wales finish their campaign with a double-header in Bosnia-Herzegovina and at home to basement boys Andorra next month - and Coleman predicted the first qualification since the 1958 World Cup is tantalisingly close.

"It's a shame for our supporters who wanted to celebrate but it (qualification) is coming," Coleman said.

"The expectation was there to get us over the line but now we have to wait that little bit longer.

"Israel normally play with lot of imagination and excitement, but they didn't want to get beat.

"Three points would have been great, of course, but at this stage a point is important."

Israel manager Eli Gutman felt it was a correct call not to award Wales a second-half spot-kick.

"The fans shout, but if you are such a good team, don't shout just for penalties," Gutman said.

"I didn't think it was a handball, not at all.

"Wales are a wonderful team with a good coach and a system that works for them.

"But I didn't see any advantage from these Premier League players and one of the best in the world. We surrounded the Welsh players when they attacked."

Source: PA