In 2006 World Cup qualifying, Israel finished third in European zone Group Four behind France and Switzerland despite being unbeaten in their 10 matches after four wins and six draws, and failed to qualify for the finals. Coach Avraham Grant announced his resignation on 26 October 2005. After the end of his contract he was succeeded by Dror Kashtan. In UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying, Israel finished fourth in group E, behind Croatia, Russia and England. The 3-4 home loss to Croatia was the first loss after 13 consecutive official games and 9 home games without a loss. Although Israel failed to qualify, Israel advanced in the world ranking, what led Israel to pot 2 at the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification draw. The continued presence of the Israeli Football Association in UEFA was a precedent cited by Australia to justify its transfer from Oceania to the Asian Football Federation.
