Israel National Football Team Lacks Identity and Cohesion

The Israeli national football team's recent performance, culminating in a 3-0 loss, has been described as lacking taste and direction, failing to connect with the public despite a significant opportunity to do so. The author expresses deep disappointment and embarrassment with the team's static and ineffective play, feeling like a spectator rather than a participant in an event where Israel should be leading.

This campaign presented a chance for the team to unite the nation, transcending political divides, especially after the Irish team's unsportsmanlike conduct, which had rallied Israelis around football. Instead, the team appeared lethargic and uninspired, losing every tackle and battle from the outset. The author questions which players have performed well or maximized their potential during this campaign, listing several prominent names and concluding that none have stood out.

The article criticizes the strategy of playing talented attackers without a solid defensive foundation, resulting in a "salad without flavor", lacking creativity in attack and quality in defense. Players are reportedly not playing in their natural positions to accommodate a dynamic system that shifts between defense and attack, a system that has not yet proven effective and was highlighted as a major warning sign in the recent match.

Dor Peretz's performance is cited as an example; while he was less impactful in a deeper midfield role against Austria, his recent deployment in a more influential position did not yield better results. The piece emphasizes that simply playing talented players together does not create a team, and the coach, Ran Ben Shimon, must find the right combination and stop trying to please everyone. The team's characteristic and winning strategy remains unclear.

With an average of nearly three goals conceded per game against strong opponents and an inability to create scoring chances, the team is on the brink of failing its campaign. The author hopes the players, many of whom have successful individual careers, can still prove they can be a source of national pride. However, a drastic 180-degree change in approach from both the players and Ben Shimon is needed, as time is running out.