Faroe Islands - 0 Israel - 2: Israel beat the Faroe Islands 2-0 in a Group Four qualifier in Torshavn last night, keeping their hopes of reaching next year's finals in Germany very much alive.

Avi Nimni scored in the 55th minute, powering home a low shot from 18 yards after a cross from the right and 10 minutes from the end Yaniv Katan connected with a cross from the left to make it 2-0 with a shot from six yards.

Israel started the day a point behind joint Group Four leaders Switzerland, Ireland and France having played a match more than their rivals, all of which changed by the end of the day.

The Israelis play Faroe Islands again in their final match in Tel Aviv on October 8th.

Israel's only previous appearance at the World Cup finals was in 1970.

FAROE ISLANDS: Jakup Mikkelsen; Johannesen, Roi Jacobsen, Olsen, Mortan i Horg; Benjaminsen, Jacobsen, Hojsted, Jakup a Borg (Lakjuni 69), Jorgensen (Simun Samuelsen 85); Jacobsen ( Flotum 61).

ISRAEL: Davidovitch; Harazi, Benado, Keise; Avi Nimni, Benayoun, Tal Ben-Haim, Badier, Abbas Suan (Idan Tal, 66); Balali, Yaniv Katan (Moshe Biton, 86).

Referee: Pieter Vink (Netherlands).