Israel Soccer Coach Ran Ben Simon Apologizes for Humiliating Loss

The Israeli national soccer team suffered its worst-ever official match opening, losing 3-0 to Ireland in the UEFA Nations League. The team conceded three goals within the first 25 minutes of the match, which was played in Debrecen, Hungary. Coach Ran Ben Simon expressed deep shame and apologized to the Israeli public for the team's performance, stating, "I felt shame. An apology is due to everyone who sat at home and expected this team." He admitted the team was not prepared adequately and that he did not understand the players' performance during the initial 30 minutes. Ben Simon acknowledged the immense disappointment and the need to analyze the reasons behind the poor showing. He emphasized his role as a source of energy for the team and vowed to find the strength to rally the players for the remaining four games. "I will have a very difficult night thinking about where I went wrong," he said, adding that he believes in the current generation of players and that they will achieve great things. Ben Simon stated that decisions regarding his future would be made by those in charge, but he believes they have faith in him.