Kosovo Football Chief Welcomes Israel Team Amidst Contrasting Reception
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Kosovo's Football Federation President Agim Ademi welcomed the Israeli national team in Pristina, contrasting with a reported poor reception from Ireland. The teams will play a competitive UEFA Nations League match on Saturday, with Kosovo vying for the top spot in their group. Israel faces significant injury concerns, with key players Roi Revivo and Manor Solomon doubtful for the game. Coach Ran Ben Shimon is expected to address these issues before the team's final practice.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Kosovo Football President Agim Ademi warmly welcomed the Israeli team, unlike Ireland's reported reception.
- Israel faces Kosovo on Saturday in a competitive UEFA Nations League match.
- Kosovo is competing for first place in their group.
- Israel's national team is dealing with significant injury concerns.
- Key players Roi Revivo and Manor Solomon are doubtful for the upcoming match.
The President of the Football Federation of Kosovo, Agim Ademi, personally greeted the Israeli national football team upon its arrival in Pristina on Thursday. This gesture stands in stark contrast to the reception the team reportedly received from the Irish team. Ademi, a close friend of Israeli Football Association Chairman Shino Zuarz, attended Zuarz's daughter's wedding in Tel Aviv in June. He is known as a supporter of Israel within UEFA and made a point of meeting the team as they disembarked.
Despite the warm welcome, the upcoming match on Saturday against Kosovo in the UEFA Nations League is not a friendly. Kosovo is competing for first place or at least second in their group. They are aiming for a victory after a previous draw against Israel in Debrecen, Hungary.
The Israeli team is scheduled to hold its only practice session in Pristina on Friday afternoon, following a press conference with national coach Ran Ben Shimon, who is expected to address player absences and uncertainties.
The Israeli squad has seen changes due to injuries. Anan Khalaili and Orian Goren were removed from the roster, and Zahi Ahmed was added. However, the team is now dealing with further injuries to Roi Revivo and Manor Solomon, who are considered significant doubts for the match. Revivo was slated to start, and Solomon was expected to provide a boost from the bench.
The starting lineup is reportedly nearly finalized. Daniel Peretz is set to start in goal, with Idan Nahmias, Raz Shlomo, and Nikita Stoyanov as the central defenders. A competition is ongoing for the right flank between Eli Dasa and Guy Mizrahi, while Liel Abada is expected on the left. In midfield, Niv Yehoshua may debut alongside Eitan Azulai, with Dor Peretz and Oscar Gloukh ahead of them. Idan Toklomati is anticipated to lead the attack.
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