Wales frustrated as Euro 2016 party remains on hold

Wales had to put the champagne on hold after Israel delayed their Euro 2016 qualification party by securing a goalless draw at the Cardiff City Stadium.

The Dragons had hoped to seal a spot at the finals in France next summer with a win that would have guaranteed their appearance at a first major tournament since 1958.

But it was not to be with former Bolton and Chelsea defender Tal Ben Haim skippering the visitors to a resolute rearguard action as they repelled whatever Chris Coleman's side threw at them.

Wales had made a bright start with both Andy King and Aaron Ramsey going close, but as the match wore on Israel settled and only looked in any real trouble when Eytan Tibi survived a huge penalty scare.

The Welsh will no doubt feel aggrieved that the additional referee's assistant failed to spot it, but they are still in the box seat and will qualify if Belgium don't beat Cyprus later on Sunday evening.

Should the Belgians triumph, then Wales have another two bites at the cherry to get the point they need with a tricky test in Bosnia followed by what should be a routine finish at home to rock-bottom Andorra.

8' - WALES CHANCE! Robson-Kanu turns on the right and feeds the well-timed run of King. The midfielder powers into the area but sees his low shot well saved by the keeper's legs. The ball loops up for Ramsey who can only header over the top with Israel all over the place at the back.

58' - WALES CHANCE! A free kick in a central position just outside the area is ready-made for Bale. The Real Madrid man steps up but curls the shot over the top. A great opening goes begging.

62' - WALES CHANCE! King meets the left-wing corner but bullets his header straight into the keeper's arms. Either side and it would be 1-0 to Wales. Is it going to be one of those days?

67' - PENALTY SHOUT? Robson-Kanu screaming for a penalty as Tibi appears to put Bale's cross behind with his arm. The referee waves away his appeal but it was pretty blatant from the Israel defender.

87' - WALES CHANCE! Bale pulls free and drills in a low shot that Marciano spills to his left, but there isn't a red shirt in sight to tuck home the rebound. Israel hammer it clear. So, so close for the Welsh!

Wales have lost only once in the past 13 matches.

Wales have not conceded a goal in five matches.

(Stats courtesy of Opta and Infostrada)

Additional assistant referees. UEFA have stated they are an "innovation that have proved their worth" - but try telling Chris Coleman that. He could be soaking up the plaudits right now had Eytan Tibi's blatant handball been spotted by an assistant just yards away. Instead, the assistant was the only man in the stadium who thought it hit the defender's chest, meaning Wales' long wait will go on a bit longer.

Tal Ben Haim (Israel). The one-time Premier League defender rolled back the years with a solid display at the back, playing a captain's role as his side held firm during early and late spells of pressure from the hosts.

WALES: Hennessey 6, Richards 7, Gunter 6, A.Williams 7, Davies 6, Taylor 7, Edwards 6, King 6, Ramsey 6, Bale 6, Robson-Kanu 7. Subs: Church 6, Vokes n/a.

ISRAEL: Marciano 7, Ben Haim 8, Dasa 7, Dgani 7, Ben Harush 7, Tibi 6, Bitton 6, Natcho 6, Zahavi 6, Kayal 5, Dabbur 6. Subs: Ben Haim II 6, Hemed 6, Sahar n/a.