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'
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
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
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments