Adversary Israel: Dampeners, gossip and tumult

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The first qualification for a European Championship is Israel’s big goal. The country, which politically belongs to the Middle East and therefore to Asia, has been a member of UEFA since 1994. “Switzerland is without a doubt the best team in this group,” says Israeli coach Alon Hazan. “Behind us, Romania and Kosovo are roughly on the same level.”

At the start of the campaign, they suffered a setback on Saturday with a 1-1 draw against Kosovo. After a good first half with a clear chance, Israel disappointed after the break, in the end they can be happy not to leave the field as a loser. The starting position is still promising, because if direct qualification fails, a detour is still possible via the play-offs of the Nations League.

Israel won their group in League B, but also benefited from Russia’s exclusion and secured promotion in the clashes with Iceland and Albania. That is why the national team has also been warned. “A lot will be demanded of us,” says Murat Yakin. Nati’s coach expects a strong and attacking opponent in which “the full-backs are almost strikers”.

And that’s what Yakin’s opponent Hazan says about Switzerland: “A strong team, especially the first eleven players.” Hazan doesn’t want to reveal the weaknesses of Nati’s request on Blick. “Ask me again after the game.”

Rough with record scorer Zahavi

The star of Israel is Manor Solomon from FC Fulham, a great career is predicted for the only 18-year-old Oscar Gloukh (Salzburg). With Eran Zahavi, a prominent name is missing in Geneva. Israel’s record scorer (33 goals) has not played an international match since qualifying for the World Cup. After injuries last year, he fell out with coach Hazan. According to Israeli journalists, Zahavi continued to demand a single room the day before the game when they moved in together, a demand that Hazan and sporting director Yossi Benayoun, the former superstar and Israel’s record international (102 caps), refused to grant.

It’s not the only problem plaguing the team right now. The massive protests in their own country because of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial judicial reforms have not left the players indifferent. “We are aware of what is going on at home,” says coach Hazan. But her goal is to unite and make the people of her country happy. Preferably with a profit on Tuesday.

Source : Blick