McClaren remains defiant

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McClaren and his team have been pitched into an unwanted game of Russian roulette as a result of their 2-1 defeat, with Israel holding the gun that could terminate their hopes of reaching Euro 2008.

"I wouldn't do anything differently," said McClaren. "I was happy with the preparation. The pitch was okay - that is not an excuse. Our performance was just as I thought. The attitude, spirit and commitment of the players was right. Tactically, I could not fault them."

He added: "We got the goal and we defended very well. We looked comfortable. One decision turned the game.

"We are relying on Israel to do us a favour. They have a good home record, we have been there and it is a tough place to get a result, so it is not going to be easy for Russia.

"Obviously, we are very disappointed. We have gone from being in control of the group to qualification being out of our hands.

"All we can do is reflect, keep our spirits high and stick together.

"We still have one game to go. Russia have two. That is the reality. Let's see where we are after 12 games."