Israel National Football Team Prepares for Crucial Ireland Match Amidst Goalkeeper and Injury Concerns

The Israeli national football team faces a critical Nations League match against Ireland on Sunday, needing a win to keep their hopes of finishing first or second in the group alive. The team is grappling with decisions regarding their goalkeeping situation, as Omri Glazer is reportedly feeling better. Coach Ran Ben Shimon and goalkeeper coach Itai Zilfa must decide whether to start Assaf Tzur or Glazer, who would have started against Kosovo if not for feeling unwell.

Concerns also persist around player Anan Khalaily, who is not fully fit. Representatives from Crystal Palace have inquired about his condition, and the national team's medical staff has assured the English club that Khalaily will not be risked if not completely healthy. Should Khalaily be unavailable, Liel Abada would shift to right wing in a three-defender formation, with Roy Revivo returning to the lineup on the left.

Ahead of the game in Serbia, former captain Bibras Natkho was invited to the morning training session in Novi Sad. The delegation prepared national team jerseys for Natkho and his children, two of whom play for Partizan Belgrade. Natkho also plans to speak with the players during the training.

Professionally, Ben Shimon analyzed the draw against Kosovo, praising the team's approach and spirit, especially after their previous loss to Ireland. He expressed pride in the team's response and stated, "We managed to get the monkey off our back and came out more relaxed. Now we need to beat Ireland and get back into contention for second place in the group."

Players acknowledge the need for improvement, with one stating, "Ireland humiliated us and caused a stain on each of us, and we now have an opportunity to correct the impression." They expressed eagerness for the match, anticipating a significantly different performance.