Late Israel equalizer makes Switzerland wait for EURO 2024 qualification

By Can Erozden

The Swiss national football team would have to wait to secure a berth at the UEFA EURO 2024, as Israel bagged a 1-1 draw with a last-ditch effort on Wednesday evening.

Switzerland midfielder Ruben Vargas scored the opener in the 36th minute of the match, which was rescheduled by UEFA due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Murat Yakin's Switzerland would have secured qualification for next summer's tournament with a win, but Israel salvaged a draw near the end of the game.

Shon Weissman scored to level in the 88th minute and the match ended 1-1 in Hungary's Felcsut, where Israel are now playing their home matches.

Group I leaders Switzerland have 16 points in eight matches, and will next host Kosovo in Basel on Saturday. The Swiss could still book their place in Germany for the EURO 2024 finals if they beat Kosovo.

Israel will face Romania in Felcsut the same day.

Romania have 16 points to be second in the group.

Third-place Israel are also hopeful to qualify, and have 12 points before the Romania game this weekend. Kosovo have 10 points.

Belarus have six, while Andorra have two points to be the worst two teams of Group I.

Only the best two teams in groups will qualify for the EURO 2024.

Meanwhile, Granit Xhaka, who made his Switzerland debut in 2011, amassed 119 international caps to set an all-time appearance record for his nation. The ex-Arsenal regular surpassed former Swiss player Heinz Hermann's record.