Israel 1-1 Republic of Ireland

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The Republic of Ireland squandered two World Cup points when Abas Suan's injury-time strike earned Israel a deserved draw in Tel Aviv.

Clinton Morrison's superb early strike seemed certain to earn the Republic a fortunate success.

However, they failed to create another decent chance while the home side missed some great opportunities.

The Republic seemed set to hang on but substitute Suan beat Shay Given in the 90th minute with a superb low shot.

Morrison's fourth minute goal stunned the vocal home support with the Birmingham striker hammering the ball home from a tight angle after Duff had got in a low cross.

As the lively start continued, Israel could have been on terms within a minute but from a great positon, Yaniv Katan's free-header went harmlessly wide.

The Republic then gained a measure of control with Roy Keane becoming influential but a mistake by Stephen Carr almost cost the visitors dear in the 19th minute.

The Newcastle defender needlessly conceded a free-kick on the edge of his own box and Shay Given did well to parry Omri Afek's piledriver.

Moments later, Robbie Keane had a chance at the other end of the field but he nodded the free header well over the bar.

John O'Shea beats Yaniv Katan in the air

The Irish then suffered a blow when Carr received a caution for time wasting at a throw-in which will rule the defender out of the Republic's next qualifier against Israel in Dublin on 4 June.

An uncharacteristic mistake by Duff in midfield put the Republic defence under pressure in the 38th minute but Katan's effort went well over the bar.

The Irish maintained their advantage to the break without looking especially convincing as Israel started to come more into the game.

Israel upped the tempo in the early stages of the second half and Irish captain Kenny Cunningham needed to put in a vital challenge to block a Benayoun shot four minutes after the break.

Hesitation in the Republic defence then allowed Omer Golan to get in a shot from 14 yards in the 57th minute but the weak effort was straight at Given.

The Israelis created another great chance in the 62nd minute but Benayoun skied the effort way over the bar.

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As the Irish continued to struggle, Adoram Keisi was presented with another great chance in the 67th minute but his shot was again easily gathered by Given.

Seven minutes later, Roy Keane picked up a yellow card for a reckless challenge on Benayoun which will also rule the Manchester United skipper out of the return game.

The Republic seemed content to sit on their lead in the closing stages and they paid for their caution with Israel's pressure rewarded by Suan's superb strike from 20 yards.

The Irish frantically chased for a winner deep in injury-time and Duff's long-range effort clipped the Israeli woodwork.

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Israel: Aouate, Afek (Nimni 65), Ben Haim, Gershon, Benado, Keisi, Badir, Tal (Balili 65), Benayoun, Katan, Golan (Suan 74). Subs not used: Cohen, Harazi, Shivhon, Saban.

Booked: Ben Haim, Benado, Golan, Suan.

Goal: Suan 90.

Rep of Ireland: Given, Carr, O'Brien, Cunningham, O'Shea, Finnan, Roy Keane, Kilbane, Duff, Robbie Keane, Morrison (Holland 85). Subs: Kenny, Reid, Dunne, Kavanagh, Elliott, Doherty.

Booked: Carr, Kilbane, Roy Keane.

Goal: Morrison 4.

Referee: Valentin Ivanov (Russia)