Israel National Football Team Makes Major Lineup Changes for Kosovo Match
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel's national football team introduces five new starters against Kosovo.
- Goalkeeper Assaf Tzur will debut for the national team.
- Coach Ben Shimon is rotating players after a loss to Ireland.
- The team will play with a three-center-back formation.
- Liel Abada and Tai Baribo return to the starting lineup.
The Israeli national football team is set to feature a significantly altered lineup in their upcoming match against Kosovo, marking a substantial shift from their previous game against Ireland. Coach Ben Shimon has implemented five changes to the starting eleven following the 3-0 loss to Ireland. These changes include the introduction of new faces and tactical adjustments.
Goalkeeper Assaf Tzur will make his debut for the national team, starting in place of Daniel Peretz. This decision comes after Omri Glazer, who was initially slated to start, reported feeling unwell. In defense, Idan Nahmias comes in for Guy Mizrahi, with the team adopting a three-center-back formation. Liel Abada returns to the starting lineup on the wing, replacing Roy Revivo. This marks Abada's first start in a competitive match for Israel in about a year and a half, following a strong period of form with his club, Charlotte.
Midfielder Eitan Azulai is also set for his first-ever start for the national team, coming in for Gabi Kaniovsky. Azulai had previously appeared as a substitute against Ireland. Forward Tai Baribo is back in the starting lineup, replacing Dor Turgeman. Baribo, a prominent player in MLS, has recently recovered from an injury and returns to a starting role he last held in March against Georgia. He also started in the final match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
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