RAMAT GAN, Israel (AP) -- As Dmitry Sychev's 90th-minute drive headed toward the goal, it appeared England would be virtually eliminated from European Championship qualifying.
Then the ball bounced off a post and Omer Golan scored in injury time, giving Israel a 2-1 victory over Russia on Saturday night that could allow the England to join next summer's 16-nation field.
All the English have to do is tie or beat Croatia on Wednesday at Wembley. And Croatia has little incentive to play all out, having clinched a berth because of Israel's victory.
"We have been given another chance to qualify, and that has to motivate every player on Wednesday evening," England midfielder Steven Gerrard said. "If we don't get there it will be so frustrating, and we have to make sure we have the right mentality on Wednesday."
Croatia (8-1-2) clinched a berth despite a 2-0 loss at Macedonia and leads Group E with 26 points, followed by England (7-2-2) with 23. Russia (6-2-3) is third with 21 but England has the tiebreaker because of a better goal difference in splitting its two games against the Russians.
Russia, which had put itself in control of gaining a berth with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over England in Moscow last month, could have virtually eliminated the English with a victory over Israel but now must win at last-place Andorra on Wednesday and hope the English lose.
Elyaniv Barda gave Israel the lead in 10th minute, but Diniyar Bilyaletdinov tied it in the 61st.
"Of course we are very, very disappointed," Russia coach Guus Hiddink said. "We were close. We were the team who was dominating the game."
The English enter Wednesday's game missing Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen and John Terry because of injuries and Rio Ferdinand due to a suspension.
"It will be difficult, but I am convinced we will get the result we need," England coach Steve McClaren said. "I always believed it would come down to the Croatia game and, thankfully, it has."
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