Israel's National Soccer Team Receives Failing Grades After Winless Campaign
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
The Israeli national soccer team's recent four-game campaign ended without a win, leading to a critical assessment of its performance. Goalkeeper Assaf Tzur was a standout, but the defense remained leaky and the offense ineffective. Coach Ran Ben Shimon received low marks for squad selection and game management, with his future uncertain. The team's poor results raise concerns about qualification for Euro 2028 and draw criticism towards the Israeli Football Association's leadership.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel's national soccer team failed to win any of its last four matches, finishing last in its group.
- Goalkeeper Assaf Tzur was a rare positive, earning a high score, while other players and the defense struggled.
- Coach Ran Ben Shimon received a low score of 2, facing criticism for squad selection and management.
- The team's offensive and defensive performances were highlighted as major weaknesses throughout the campaign.
- The article suggests coach Ran Ben Shimon's tenure may be nearing its end due to the poor results.
- The Israeli Football Association's leadership is criticized for inconsistent standards in evaluating coaches.
The Israeli national soccer team concluded a four-game campaign without a single victory, finishing last in their group and prompting a critical review of player and coaching performance. The defense has been porous, conceding frequently, while the offense struggles to create scoring opportunities. Even senior players have found it difficult to make an impact amidst constant changes in lineup and roles.
Goalkeeper Daniel Peretz, initially seen as a key player, showed inconsistent form and was sidelined by injury. Omri Glazer was slated to start but fell ill, leading to Assaf Tzur stepping in. Tzur, the third-choice keeper, emerged as a bright spot, displaying stability and making crucial saves, earning a score of 7 out of 10, while Peretz received a 4.
The defense has been a persistent issue, with the team conceding 40 goals in 18 official matches under coach Ran Ben Shimon. Despite hopes for improvement with players like Roy Revivo moving to Spain, defensive frailties remained. The team conceded seven goals in four games during this window, continuing a trend from previous campaigns. Several defenders received low scores, including Revivo (5), Shlomo (4), Stoyanov (4), Nachmias (4), Mizrahi (4), Abada (5), and Dasa (4).
In midfield, a lack of creativity and a failure to select natural defensive midfielders were highlighted. Eliel Peretz and Dor Peretz were deemed to be used ineffectively, while Eitan Azulai's intensity was noted as a positive. Disappointment was particularly high for senior foreign-based players like Manor Solomon and Oscar Gluch, who failed to live up to expectations, with Khalaily also being used in unsuitable positions. Midfielders received scores such as Solomon (4), Gluch (4), Khalaily (4), Eliel Peretz (5), Dor Peretz (5), and Azulai (5).
The offense also underperformed, scoring only two goals in four matches, attributed to both a lack of service from midfield and the forwards' struggles. Players like Sayed Abu Farchi, Dor Turgeman, and the forward were given opportunities but failed to impress consistently. Turgeman received a 3, the forward a 4, and Abu Farchi a 5.
Coach Ran Ben Shimon received a low score of 2, with criticism focused on unbalanced squad selection, poor preparation, and questionable in-game management. The team's performance has led to a potential drop in rankings and a difficult path toward Euro 2028 qualification. The article suggests his tenure may end soon, with a record of five wins, ten losses, and three draws in 18 official games.
The Israeli Football Association's leadership, chairman Shino Tzuarz and deputy chairman Moran Meiri, are also criticized for setting a high bar for previous coaches while showing more leniency towards Ben Shimon's failures, despite his poor results. The article implies that based on their own previous standards, Ben Shimon should be dismissed.
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