Israel Soccer Coach Ben Shimon Names Starting Lineup Against Ireland

Israel national soccer team coach Ran Ben Shimon has informed his players of the starting lineup for Sunday's UEFA Nations League match against Ireland. The team will host Ireland in the second round of the 2027 competition.

Ben Shimon is making three changes to the squad. Raz Shlomo will replace Idan Nachmias in defense, Gabi Kaniovsky will step in for Dor Peretz in midfield, and Dor Turgeman will take the place of the suspended Seyed Abu Farhi.

Daniel Peretz will start in goal, with a defense consisting of Roy Revivo, Nikita Stoyanov, Guy Mizrahi, and Raz Shlomo. The midfield will feature Eliel Peretz, Oscar Gloukh, and Gabi Kaniovsky. The attack will be led by Dor Turgeman, flanked by Manor Solomon and Anan Khalaili.

Ben Shimon emphasized to his players the physical and direct style of the Irish team, contrasting it with Austria's possession-based approach. He also addressed concerns about past Israeli teams faltering in critical moments, urging his players not to be compared to previous squads. "Only you will determine the identity of this team," Ben Shimon told his players. "You are the ones who will decide what happens with this team, without any comparisons. We need to improve tactically, not mentally, because mentally you teach us how to behave and act. The tactical obligation is ours, to make the right decisions, improve game intelligence, and find good solutions."

The full starting lineup is: Daniel Peretz; Guy Mizrahi, Raz Shlomo, Nikita Stoyanov, Roy Revivo; Eliel Peretz, Gabi Kaniovsky; Manor Solomon, Oscar Gloukh, Anan Khalaili, and Dor Turgeman.