Wellington Phoenix defender Manny Muscat's Euro2012 qualification campaign for Malta did not kick off in a positive fashion overnight.

The 25-year old Australian-born Muscat came on for the final 10 minutes as Malta were beaten 3-1 by Israel in their Group F encounter at the Ramat Gan Stadium in Tel Aviv.

Chelsea recruit Yossi Benayoun scored a hat-trick for the victors whilst English-born midfielder Jamie Pace scored for Malta.

It was Muscat's 7th international appearance for the Knights of St John.