Spain 3 - Israel 0

Spain beat Israel in the final match of the qualifying round for the Euro 2000 championship to consolidate their position at the top of group VI. José Antonio Camacho's team were already confirmed as winners of their group after the last match, and Camacho could have used the match to bring in new faces. However, he preferred to stick to his first choice players, leaving experiments for the two friendly matches against Brazil and Argentina to be played next month. Spain started strongly, with most attacks coming from Salgado and Etxeberria from the right. The first goal came on the half hour from the head of Morientes, the ball falling fortuitously to the Real Madrid striker after Julen Guerrero´s shot bounced off the back of an Israeli defender. Seven minutes later they were 2-0 up from a set-piece corner, Guardiola's kick being headed on by Paco and Luis Enrique to central defender César, substituting the injured Hierro. The third came six minutes in to the second half, Raúl scoring his eleventh goal of the qualifying stages after Etxeberria's shot had been pushed out by keeper Aouat. With this result Spain finished the group in first place with 21 points, with Israel and Austria second and third on 13 points each. In the eight games played, they scored a record of 42 goals, an average of 5.25 a game, and only let in 5. Team details were as follows:

Spain: Toni, Michel Salgado, Hierro (César - min 22), Paco, Sergi, Guardiola, Guerrero (Mendieta - min 70), Luis Enrique, Etxeberria, Raúl, Morientes (Urzaiz - min 77).

Israel: Aouat, Gerson, Amsalem, Shelah, Benado (Halfon - min 49), Hazan (Telesnikov - min 81), Banin, Revivo, Turjman, Berkovic (Benyoun - min 69), Tal.

The under 21 side beat Israel 2-1 with goals by Alfaro and Xavi (penalty). They have been drawn to play Norway in the first round of the final phase, in which 16 teams will be taking part.

Spain failed in their attempt to get the 2004 European championships. Officials were unhappy at UEFA's explanations that they had awarded the competition to Portugal on the grounds of their better stadiums and road and rail infrastructure, difficult to believe given the facts. They preferred to believe that the nomination was for political reasons in order to help the country improve their facilities, and wished their neighbours well. It remains to be seen if they renew their bid for 2008.