Euro 2012 qualifying Group F wrap: Wins for Georgia, Latvia

A late winner for Levan Kobiashvili helped Georgia defeat Croatia 1-0 in Euro 2012 qualifying on Saturday, while Israel beat Latvia.

Group F leaders Croatia controlled the first half at the Lokomotivi Stadium in Tbilisi and might have taken the lead through a Dejan Lovren header 26 minutes in.Sevilla midfielder Ivan Rakitic had a shot saved by Georgia goalkeeper Nukri Revishvili, who also denied Nikola Kalinic.Out-of-favour Tottenham man Niko Kranjcar went close early in the second half, before Kobiashvili had Georgia’s first real chance of the match.Visitors Croatia continued to dominate, with Ivan Perisic the next man to threaten. But the breakthrough never arrived.Volga Nizhny Novgorod forward Otar Martsvaladze enjoyed a rare chance for the hosts but saw his shot saved by Croatia goalkeeper Vedran Runje.The match appeared destined for a draw before Martsvaladze played in Kobiashvili in the 90th minute, and the Hertha Berlin midfielder smashed home a shot from just inside the area.Georgia, who are now unbeaten in 10 matches under manager Temuri Ketsbaia, move into third place with six points.Croatia remain top with 10 points, ahead of Greece.Elsewhere in Group F, Israel defeated Latvia 2-1 at home. Racing Genk forward Elyaniv Barda put Israel ahead after 16 minutes at the Ramat Gan Stadium.Defender Kaspars Gorkss of Queens Park Rangers levelled for Latvia just after the hour mark, but Celtic midfielder Baram Kayal restored Israel’s lead with what proved to be the winner nine minutes from time.Israel are now fourth, level on points with fifth-placed Latvia but ahead courtesy of a superior goal difference.