Eurocopa Malta 0 - 2 Israel

Israel ended their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign on a positive note with a 2-0 win over Group F's bottom side, Malta.

Only pride was at stake as neither team were in contention for a top-two finish and possible qualification for the finals, but Israel put their disappointment aside to ensure a winning finale in what may have been Luis Fernández's final game in charge.

Victory secured Israel third place in the group with 16 points, behind Croatia and the group winners, Greece, with Malta propping up the table with one point.

Malta made a good start but Israel halted the hosts' momentum by taking a 10th‑minute lead. After going close with a rising effort, Lior Refaelov fired Israel ahead with a close-range finish after receiving the ball from the overlapping Talb Tawatha.

Israel dominated and should have doubled their lead five minutes into the second half when Ben Sahar, left unmarked, sped into the box but his effort was kept out by the Malta goalkeeeper Andrew Hogg and he headed the rebound against the bar.

Gareth Sciberras also headed against the bar for the visitors 18 minutes from time, but Israel settled the match in stoppage time with a Rami Gershon dipping backheader.