Israel Soccer Team Humiliated in Loss, Coach Demands Respect

The Israeli national soccer team is struggling to recover from a demoralizing 3-0 defeat to Ireland, marking one of their weakest performances in recent years. The team conceded all three goals within the first 25 minutes of the match played in Debrecen.

Following the game, head coach Ran Ben Shimon held a lengthy post-match meeting with his players, stating, "We embarrassed ourselves and the fans in the country." He urged them to be "men" and face criticism, emphasizing the need for victories in their upcoming matches against Kosovo and Ireland to rectify the situation.

Ben Shimon took responsibility for the loss but criticized the players' approach, noting, "They dismantled us in every tackle. We were the only ones yelling at the referee, 'Ay ay,' and they were dismantling us. Where is your honor?" he questioned, receiving no response from the team.

The Israeli Football Association expressed shock at the team's opening performance. Ben Shimon's decision to start with three defenders was deemed incorrect, despite attempts to match Ireland's formation. While the coach's future is not currently in question, a fourth-place finish in their group, which would lower their ranking for Euro qualifiers, coupled with continued poor performance, could lead to his departure before his contract ends.

Many players were reportedly too ashamed to eat dinner after the match, with some stating they had "no appetite." Ben Shimon also shortened the players' planned break, canceling a day and a half of free time to meet with family and friends who had traveled to Debrecen. The team considered canceling their morning training session to focus on video analysis of the loss but ultimately decided to hold a session for those who did not play, in preparation for their match against Kosovo.