Israel Prepares for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers with Friendly Against Georgia

The Israeli national football team is set to face Georgia in a friendly match on Sunday at 18:30, broadcast live on Sport 5, as part of their preparations for the important August World Cup qualifying window. The team arrived late at night in Tbilisi, delayed by the strike at Ben Gurion Airport and flight schedule disruptions. They held their first training session in Georgia on Saturday evening and plan another session before the match.

Coach Netanel Artzi emphasized the significance of the upcoming qualifying window, calling it an opportunity the team must seize. Although the friendly is unofficial, Artzi said it will provide valuable insight into the team's readiness and the challenges ahead. He praised Georgia as a very strong team that will give Israel a preview of the competition they will face.

Israel's squad for this period includes 13 players, with Idan Zalmanson and Ilay Dolinsky absent. All squad members will participate in the friendly. Georgia's broader squad features 16 players, including notable names such as Toko Shengelia, Sandro Mamukelashvili of the Los Angeles Lakers, Goga Bitadze of the Orlando Magic, Duda Sanadze, and naturalized player Marquis Reed.

This friendly is Israel's final preparation before their crucial World Cup qualifier against Poland on Thursday at 21:00, a match that could significantly impact their qualification campaign.