Israel National Football Team Avoids Irish Hotel View During Training

The Israeli national football team took an unusual step by not holding their final training session at the stadium where they are scheduled to play Ireland on Sunday evening. The decision was made because the Irish team's hotel is located on the third and fourth floors of the TSC Stadium in Bačka Topola, overlooking the pitch from its balconies. An Israeli team staff member expressed concern, stating, "If we had held a training session, they would have been sitting in their rooms watching our training. This is delusional."

Tensions between the two football associations persist. Unlike a previous match where the Israeli association followed protocol by inviting the Irish to a pre-game meal, the Irish have not extended a similar invitation this time. The Israeli delegation also noted a lack of water bottles for the coach and a player at a press conference, contrasting with the exemplary hospitality provided when Israel hosted a match in Debrecen.

Another unconventional move occurred at the press conference when player Elai Feingold appeared alongside coach Ran Ben Shimon. Typically, the player attending such events is either a starter or the captain, especially given anticipated questions from opposing journalists. However, due to the long journey from Novi Sad, where the team is based over an hour from the stadium, the decision was made not to trouble a player expected to start in the upcoming game.