Israel Football Coach Aims for Historic Euro Berth

Ahead of their UEFA Nations League opener against Austria in Linz, Israel's national football team coach Ran Ben Shimon expressed strong confidence in his squad's ability to qualify for the European Championship. Ben Shimon stated that Israel is the best team in their group, which also includes Ireland and Kosovo, and that their goal is to achieve something historic by becoming the first Israeli team to reach the Euros. He believes in the team's progress over the past two years and trusts the quality of the players.

Ben Shimon has finalized his starting lineup for the match, which will feature seven players based abroad, including those recently arrived from Major League Soccer. Only Seid Abu Farhi, who arrived in Austria earlier, is expected to start among the MLS contingent. The lineup also includes four players from the Israeli Premier League. Manor Solomon will captain the team.

During pre-match preparations, the team engaged in motivational talks. Israeli Football Association Chairman Shino Zuarz addressed the players, emphasizing the importance of reaching Euro 2028 as a career-defining mission that could elevate the national team to unprecedented historical heights. He urged every player to give their all, regardless of playing time, to achieve this goal.

The team is focused on a successful campaign start and taking the first step towards qualification. Despite facing questions with political undertones during a press conference, the team's management is working to keep the players concentrated on their professional objective: a historic Euro appearance.