Omer Golan's goal two minutes into stoppage time earned Israel a dramatic 2-1 victory that leaves Russia two points adrift of England in the battle for the group's remaining qualification spot with one match each remaining.

Providing England avoid defeat at home to Croatia on Wednesday evening, Hiddink's Russia will be left to contemplate elimination, with the Dutchman blaming his defence in particular for the sudden downturn in fortune.

"This evening has been very disappointing", Hiddink said in the post-match press conference.

"Israel put out a very young side, but against them we played very naively.

"There was a lot of talk about how we should easily beat the Israelis, but errors in defence occurred at the most inopportune moments.

"The first goal we conceded was very silly. I cannot comprehend how it's possible to make mistakes in such a situation.

"And in attack our problem was the final ball.

"I don't have any complaints about the quality of our play in this qualifying campaign.

"But its conclusion has been a real disappointment."

Hiddink, like McLaren before him, is now relying on his opposite number slipping up in order to progress, but is in no doubt that Croatia have what it takes to do his side a favour at Wembley.

"We expect the Croatians will, in spite of everything, go in search of victory," he added.

"It is a result they are capable of achieving."

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