Haim Revivo scored a stunning winner from a free kick in the 82nd minute to give hosts Israel, playing with 10 men, a deserved 2-1 win over Argentina in a friendly in Jerusalem yesterday.

The unimpressive Argentines appeared nervous at the start of the match as the two-time World Cup winners began their preparations for France '98.

Israel could have taken the lead in the 17th minute when Cypriot referee Costas Kapitanis awarded a dubious spot-kick after Revivo appeared to fall in the area.

Striker Alon Mizrahi's penalty hit the crossbar and Revivo's effort to head the ball from the rebound went over the bar.

Israel opened the scoring in the 64th minute when Najwan Grayev drilled an 18-metre drive into the net from directly in front of goal. Israel did not panic despite being reduced to 10 men a minute later when Yossi Abuksis was sent off for a second bookable offence. But the Argentines managed to equalise in the 76th minute when Israel goalkeeper Rafi Cohen fumbled a glancing header from Diego Cagna over the line.

Revivo's stunning winner came eight minutes from the end.

Just when it appeared as if Israel would be prepared to settle for the draw, Revivo fired a low thunderous free kick from 25 metres out on the left.

Argentine goalkeeper German Burgos was expecting the Celta Vigo player to cross to his team-mates who had all converged on the right side of the goal.

Israel coach Shlomo Scharf was ecstatic at Revivo's performance. "If Revivo had been a South American, he would be worth $30 million," the coach told reporters.

Barcelona are interested in buying Revivo from Celta and according to reports are prepared to pay up to $15 million for the classy midfielder.

"We seem to find it easier to play well against the more technical South American sides than we do against the powerful Europeans," Scharf said.

"This is an historic win. It will take time to sink in, but I would gladly swap it for a draw in Vienna (against Austria in the upcoming European championship qualifiers)," he added.

Argentine coach Daniel Passarella said he was not surprised by the result.

"Israel looked like a good side . . . (and) as for my team, they failed to play both as a group and as individuals."

Israel's win was their fourth consecutive victory in friendly matches this year. They beat Turkey 4-0 and Poland 2-0 in home fixtures in February and scored a 1-0 away win over Romania in Bucharest last month.