Israel National Football Team Prepares for Kosovo Match Amidst Lineup Uncertainty
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
The Israeli national football team is traveling to Kosovo for a match on Saturday, with coach Ran Ben Shimon considering a revised lineup due to player fitness and opponent analysis. Manor Solomon's availability is uncertain due to back pain, with Oscar Gloukh a potential replacement. The team is adapting its strategy for the match conditions and will adhere to strict security protocols during their stay.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel's national football team is traveling to Kosovo for a match on Saturday.
- Manor Solomon's participation is uncertain due to a back injury, with Oscar Gloukh as a backup.
- Coach Ran Ben Shimon is considering changes to the midfield and forward lines.
- The team plans to adapt its strategy based on Kosovo's strengths and match conditions.
- Strict security measures will be in place, including a hotel lockdown for players.
The Israeli national football team is set to depart for Pristina, Kosovo, on Thursday for their upcoming match. Coach Ran Ben Shimon's projected starting lineup, based on the last practice, includes Omri Gandelman in midfield, Dor Peretz as a false nine, and Daniel Peretz in goal. The coaching staff has analyzed Kosovo's strengths, including their height and potential weather conditions, and plans to adopt a slightly different playing style to compensate for perceived disadvantages.
Key decisions in midfield involve Niv Yehoshua being favored over Gabi Kankovsky to partner Eitan Azulai, with Gandelman and Dor Peretz initially slated for forward roles alongside Manor Solomon. However, Solomon is currently dealing with back pain, and Oscar Gloukh is being considered as a potential replacement if Solomon is unfit to play. The defense is expected to remain unchanged, with Liel Abada and Roy Revivo on the wings, and Nikita Stoyanov, Idan Nahmias, and Raz Shlomo in central defense.
"We learned in the last two games of this campaign that the thinking needs to change," a delegation member explained, emphasizing the need to consider factors like the pitch, weather, and stadium atmosphere, and acknowledging the quality of players who can come off the bench. The team is also hoping other players maintain their fitness. Ben Shimon has a contingency plan: if Solomon is unavailable and Gandelman moves to the bench, Dor Peretz would shift to midfield, and Idan Toklomati would play upfront.
The delegation, including Football Association Chairman and Vice Chairman Ronen Moscovitz, will travel on a chartered flight. Security personnel, including Arie Hershkovitz and Chef Assaf Sabach, arrived earlier for preliminary preparations. Players received security briefings, with restrictions including no leaving the hotel. Following the match, the team will have a meal before departing for Debrecen, Hungary, and will not stay in Pristina.
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