Gareth Bale's free-kick 'cursed' by Israel's Tal Ben-Haim as Wales denied Euro 2016 spot

The Real Madrid star's attempt was scuppered by the 'dark arts'

Mark Critchley
Monday 07 September 2015 11:29 BST
Comments
Gareth Bale reacts to a missed chance
Gareth Bale reacts to a missed chance (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Wales' celebrations were put on hold yesterday when a 0-0 draw with Israel meant Chris Coleman's men would have to wait to qualify for Euro 2016.

Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey, Hal Robson-Kanu and co. simply couldn't break through, as a stubborn Israeli defence who hung on to earn an important point.

The draw lifted the visiting side into Group B's third place, above Bosnia and Herzegovina and in with a chance of a play-off spot.

However, it wasn't just last-ditch tackles and two banks of four which saw Eli Gutman's side through the 90 minutes unbeaten.

As Bale stood over a free-kick in an ominous position, Israel's Tal Ben-Haim (not the same Tal Ben-Haim of Chelsea and Portsmouth fame, mind) decided to employ the dark arts against the Real Madrid winger.

As the Welshman stepped up to take the kick, Ben-Haim was seen attempting to perform some kind of witchcraft and put a curse on the ball.

Strangely, just like Uri Geller's infamous 'moving' of Gary MacAllister's penalty against England at Euro '96, it worked.

Bale blazed his effort over the bar, the match ended in a stalemate and Wales are still waiting to qualify for their first international tournament since 1958.

Chris Coleman will now have to wait until October, and the fixtures against Bosnia and Andorra, to seal his side's place in France next summer.

The Independent has launched a new football app! Live scores, in-game stats, breaking news, videos and push notifications are just some of the many features. Use the links below to download and get more from Indy Football...

iPhone
http://ind.pn/iphonefootball

iPad
http://ind.pn/ipadfootball

Android
http://ind.pn/androidfootball

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in