Israel's National Soccer Team to Debut New Formation Against Kosovo

Israel's national soccer team coach Ran Ben Shimon is planning significant changes for the crucial match against Kosovo on Tuesday, following a disappointing 3-0 loss to Ireland. Ben Shimon intends to replace six players from the starting lineup and alter the team's formation to a three-defender system, aiming to improve defensive stability and restore the team's lost aggression and balance.

The new defensive setup will feature Raz Shlomo, Idan Nachmias, and Nikita Stoyanov in the center. Anan Khalaili and Liel Abada are expected to operate on the wings, tasked with significant defensive and offensive duties. Goalkeeper Omri Glazer will start in place of Daniel Peretz, who is nursing a minor injury. This marks another substantial change for a team under pressure after conceding six goals in its first two campaign matches.

Ben Shimon's primary goal is to stabilize the defense, which struggled against Ireland's quick transitions and pressing. The addition of a third center-back is intended to provide better coverage and allow wing players to join the attack without leaving large gaps. Khalaili and Abada's roles will be demanding, requiring them to provide speed and depth in attack while quickly tracking back to support the defense.

In midfield, Eitan Azulay, Eliel Peretz, and Dor Peretz are slated to start. Dor Peretz returns to the lineup seeking to add much-needed power and ball-winning ability. The midfield's performance will be critical in the new formation to prevent the attack from becoming isolated.

Notably, Ajax midfielder Oscar Gloukh, considered one of the team's top talents, is expected to be benched. Roy Revivo, Guy Mizrahi, Gabi Kancepolsky, and Dor Turgeman are also likely to be out of the starting XI. These six changes underscore Ben Shimon's dissatisfaction with the previous performance.

In attack, Manor Solomon is expected to lead alongside Thai Baribo, who gets a chance to start after Dor Turgeman did against Ireland. The partnership aims to provide a stronger presence in the box and more options for deep passes and crosses. Israel currently sits last in its group with zero points after losses to Austria and Ireland, making the Kosovo match vital for their campaign.