Israel got off to a fantastic start in qualifying for the 1986 world cup finals; they smashed Taiwan 6-0 and 5-0 at home and away. They faced Australia at home in the following match, however they surrendered a lead to lose the tie 2-1. The return fixture in Australia was a 1-1 draw. Israel’s final two matches were at home and away to New Zealand. Victory in both matches was essential for progression into the world cup. Israel fell apart in New Zealand, losing the tie 3-1 in turn making their final match, a 3-0 win at home academic.
The years 1986 and 1987, was arguably the worst for the Israeli national football team. They lost all four of their matches in 1986 to Scotland, England, Romania and a 7-2 defeat against future world champions, Argentina. Things went from bad to worse the following year, as they lost six of their seven matches, which included a heavy 5-0 defeat against Ireland.
In February 1988, Israel hosted England in a one off friendly match, they faired very well against the so called best in Europe, and a 0-0 draw provided Israel with real optimism for their future matches in qualifying for the 1988 Olympic Games. Israel did not qualify for the Olympics; however they battered Taiwan 9-0 in the process.
Israel once again met New Zealand and Australia in qualifying for the world cup finals and on this occasion they came out on top. They won their first match 1-0 at home to New Zealand, three successive draws in the following three matches was enough to earn Israel a play off match against Colombia, with the winner entering the 1990 world cup finals. The first leg, in Colombia, was a tough affair for the Israeli’s as they went down 1-0, Israel threw everything at the Colombians in the return leg in Ramat Gan, however the tie ended in a goalless draw and Israel were eliminated from the world cup.