The Israel National Team defeated Scotland 1-0 in the final game of their Nations League campaign thanks to Manor Solomon’s superb first goal with the Blue & White just ahead of the halftime break. The win gave Willi Ruttensteiner’s squad the 3-points to finish in third place with 8 points in the four team group allowing them to maintain their position in League B and avoid relegation.

The Czech Republic earned promotion by finishing in first place with 12 points, Scotland remained in League B ending their campaign in second place with 10 points while Slovakia is relegated by finishing in fourth with 4 points. Israel will begin standard World Cup qualifying in March, however, it is still unknown who will be manning the sidelines in what could have been interim coach Willi Ruttensteiner’s last game in charge. A decision on the Austrian’s future will be made within the upcoming weeks with the option of staying on as the Israel Football Association Technical Director, a position that he held before moving down to coach still a possibility.

“We won two games and drew two games which are good results,” explained Ruttensteiner. “I spoke to Manor Solomon about not having scored yet and I told him that he must begin to put up numbers. Finally he took advantage of the opportunity in the best way possible.”

Solomon who scored the winner and also sported a new number was happy with his team’s result, “The number doesn’t really matter, but this was a very important win and I’m very happy. It was crucial for us to end the campaign and remain in League B.”