Gareth Bale's free kick 'cursed' by Israel forward Tal Ben Haim

Footballers are a superstitious bunch. From lucky pants to pre-match rituals, plenty of players believe that they can gain an advantage on the pitch from such minor details.

Israel forward Tal Ben Haim - not to be confused with his older namesake - took things to a whole new level during his side's 0-0 draw with Wales on Sunday evening.

Gareth Bale and co needed all three points to book their place in Euro 2016, but couldn't find a way through the visitors' defence.

The Real Madrid forward was not at his rampaging best but did have an excellent opportunity to break the deadlock from a set piece late on.

The 26-year-old lined the ball up like he has so many times before but, just as thousands of Welshmen prepared to see the net ripple, Bale's effort sailed high over the cross bar.