Israel Football Team Prepares for Nations League Opener Amidst Security Concerns

The Israeli national football team is set to begin its UEFA Nations League campaign against Austria in Linz, Austria, on Thursday, with all tickets sold for the match. This opening game is part of the qualification process for Euro 2028. Head coach Ran Ben Shimon has stated that the team's objective is no longer solely focused on developing a new generation of players but on achieving results in this campaign, which he acknowledges will be a significant test for him.

Despite facing several absences from the squad, Ben Shimon has urged his players not to make excuses, emphasizing their quality and right to be part of the national team. Security measures have been heightened around the team's hotel due to its proximity to a Muslim garden and numerous churches, requiring reinforcement from local police. However, the overall atmosphere within the team is reported to be positive. Planned protests are expected to occur in a different part of the city and at a distant train station, away from the stadium.

Enhanced security protocols will include the use of sniffer dogs before and after the match, as well as a helicopter overhead. While Andy Herzog has finalized his plans, Willy Ruttensteiner is expected to attend the game. The chairman of the Football Association and his deputies were invited to a traditional pre-match meal, an event that will not occur for the subsequent match against Ireland in Debrecen. The chairman has lodged a strong complaint with UEFA regarding recent harsh statements made by the Irish.

Further friction with the Irish delegation has arisen, with claims that some Israeli management personnel, who are not staying with the main team, booked rooms at the same hotel. An Israeli Football Association source dismissed these claims as baseless attempts to provoke conflict, stating the hotel was booked well in advance. Ben Shimon has instructed his players to focus solely on Austria and disregard the controversy surrounding Ireland.

Israeli player Daniel Peretz mentioned that Irish national team player Finn Azaz, who is his teammate at Maccabi Tel Aviv, is in good contact with him. Players from Israel's Arab community within the squad, including Anan Khalaili, Moanes Dabbur, and Mohammad Abu Fani, have opted for a media silence. This decision stems not from a lack of feeling that the Irish have crossed a line, but from a concern that any reaction could escalate the situation unnecessarily. A source within the team acknowledged their feelings and thoughts, understanding their decision not to give interviews at this time. Manor Solomon is expected to captain the team, with Eli Dasa not starting. A projected lineup includes Daniel Peretz, Guy Mizeev, Nikita Stoyanov, Idan Nachmias, Roy Revivo, Eliel Peretz, Dor Peretz, Oscar Gloukh, Manor Solomon, Anan Khalaili, and Mohammad Abu Fani.