Israel National Team Prepares for Kosovo Match Amid Tactical Decisions
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Israeli national football team coach Ran Ben Shimon is finalizing tactics for Saturday's Nations League match against Kosovo, including a three-defender formation and midfield selections. The team will hold a tactical training session at 3:00 PM to adapt to the match's kickoff time. Ben Shimon is considering player types suited for Kosovo's potentially difficult pitch and rainy weather, while Kosovo anticipates a full stadium and the return of star player Vardat Muriqi.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Coach Ran Ben Shimon is preparing Israel's national team for a Nations League match against Kosovo.
- The team will train at 3:00 PM to adapt to the match's unusual kickoff time.
- A three-defender formation is planned, with specific players eyed for midfield roles.
- Ben Shimon prioritizes combative players due to Kosovo's pitch and expected rain.
- Kosovo's star player Vardat Muriqi returns, boosting home team confidence.
- All tickets for the match in Pristina have been sold out.
The Israeli national football team is set to hold its first full training session today, Wednesday, with all players present, two days after convening in Shefayim. Coach Ran Ben Shimon has scheduled the practice for 3:00 PM, mirroring the kickoff time for Saturday's Nations League match against Kosovo in Pristina, aiming to acclimate the players to the unusual hour. This session, closed to the media, will focus on tactical preparations.
Ben Shimon has decided on a three-defender formation, featuring Idan Nahmias, Raz Shlomo, and Nikita Stoyanov at the back. Roy Revivo and Liel Abada are expected to play on the wings, with Eitan Azulai, Dor Peretz, and Manor Solomon securing midfield spots. Key decisions remain regarding the midfield pairings: a choice between Niv Yosha and Gabi Kaniovsky, with the player from Beitar Jerusalem having a slight edge, and between Omri Gandelman and Idan Toklomati. If Toklomati starts, Dor Peretz will play in midfield; if Gandelman is in the starting eleven, Peretz might play as a false nine, similar to his role against Italy.
In goal, Daniel Peretz is favored over Assaf Tzur. Ben Shimon is also considering the challenging pitch conditions in Kosovo, which he believes necessitate more combative than technical players. This is a factor in the decision not to start Manor Solomon and Oscar Gloukh together. The forecast of rain further complicates matters, potentially making the game more difficult for the Israeli team.
Kosovo has sold out all tickets for their home fans. The return of their star player, Vardat Muriqi, after missing the previous match against Israel, has boosted local confidence in their ability to surprise in the group. The match is scheduled to take place in Pristina.
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