Israel Football Team Coach to Remain Despite Poor Results
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
The Israeli national football team drew 0-0 with Kosovo, remaining winless in five Nations League matches and last in their group. Despite criticism, the Israeli Football Association, led by Chairman Shino Zuarz and Deputy Chairman Moran Meiri, decided to keep coach Ran Ben Shimon through the Euro 2028 qualifiers. The team's poor performance includes losses and draws, and they will enter the Euro 2028 draw from the third pot. Ben Shimon expressed confidence in his team and the association's support.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel's national football team drew 0-0 with Kosovo, remaining winless in five Nations League matches.
- Coach Ran Ben Shimon will continue through the Euro 2028 qualifiers despite criticism.
- The team is last in its Nations League group with only three points from a possible fifteen.
- Chairman Shino Zuarz and Deputy Chairman Moran Meiri are backing coach Ben Shimon.
- Israel will enter the Euro 2028 qualifying draw from the third pot.
- A loss to Austria on Tuesday would mark a winless campaign, a first since 1966.
The Israeli national football team drew 0-0 against Kosovo on Saturday, failing to capitalize on a numerical advantage after Kosovo had a player sent off in the 66th minute. This result leaves the team without a win after five matches in the Nations League, with only three points from a possible fifteen, placing them last in their group. Despite mounting criticism and disappointing performances, the Israeli Football Association has decided to back national team coach Ran Ben Shimon. A report indicates that a decision was made on Friday to keep Ben Shimon in his position through the Euro 2028 qualifiers, which begin in March. This decision is supported by Football Association Chairman Shino Zuarz and his deputy Moran Meiri, who are committed to the coach and his existing contract. However, significant criticism exists within the professional committee and senior management of the association, with some believing the team has not progressed under Ben Shimon and that a new coach should be considered for the upcoming campaign. Zuarz and Meiri, the most influential figures, were reportedly not convinced that a change was necessary. The team's campaign has included a 3-1 loss to Austria, a 3-0 defeat by Ireland, and three consecutive draws against Kosovo, Ireland, and Kosovo again. Israel has now lost any chance of finishing in the top two of their group and will enter the Euro 2028 qualifying draw from the third pot. Ben Shimon, however, expressed satisfaction with his players' effort, stating, "The team gave an amazing effort, heart, and commitment." He added, "We are an excellent team, a good team," and affirmed his belief in the support of the association's leadership. Israel will conclude their Nations League campaign on Tuesday against Austria in Debrecen, Hungary. A loss or draw in that match would mean an entire campaign without a victory, a first since the 1966 World Cup qualifiers. Defender Raz Shlomo will miss the next game due to yellow card accumulation, while the team hopes for the fitness of Manor Solomon and Roy Revivo for the final match.
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