Euro 2016

[monks data]

European Championship | Qualifiers

Oct 13, 2015 at 7.45pm UK

Belgium
3-1
Israel Israel

Mertens (64'), De Bruyne (78'), Hazard (84')

FT(HT: 0-0)

Hemed (88')

Half-Time Report: Goalless between Belgium, Israel

By Stephen Topping, Reporter | 13 October 2015

Belgium and Israel play out a goalless first half in their final Euro 2016 qualifier, as Napoli winger Dries Mertens misses a great opportunity to score the opener.

Belgium and Israel have played out a goalless first half in their final Euro 2016 qualifier this evening.

Belgium's forward Radja Nainggolan (R) vies with Israel's forward Tomer Hemed (L) during the Euro 2016 qualifying football match between Belgium and Israel, at the King Baudouin Stadium, on October 13, 2015 © Getty Images

The hosts started the game brightly, and almost took an early lead as Kevin De Bruyne blazed a shot over the bar from inside the box, before a powerful Radja Nainggolan effort narrowly missed the top corner of the goal.

Belgium continued to dominate, as Marouane Fellaini headed straight at Israel goalkeeper Ofir Martziano from a Dries Mertens cross, before Romelu Lukaku dragged an effort narrowly wide.

Israel almost took the lead against the run of play after 20 minutes, as Eran Zahavi struck the post with a free kick, before the midfielder fired an effort over the bar.

Mertens should have opened the scoring for the Red Devils, as De Bruyne found the Napoli man unmarked with a low cross, but the winger sent a tame effort wide of the far post.

Captain Vincent Kompany nearly broke the deadlock, as his effort from outside the Israel box went narrowly wide, before Fellaini missed the target with just moments remaining in the half.