Three Key Points from Avi Naimni: Concerning Performance in National Team
Introduction
As the Israeli national football team grapples with its recent performance, former player Avi Naimni shares insights in a personal column for start. Naimni highlights a troubling inconsistency in the team’s ability as they navigate the challenging World Cup qualification campaign.
Recent Performance Overview
The Israeli national team embarked on their World Cup qualifying campaign on a shaky note, managing a narrow victory over Estonia and suffering a loss to Norway, a team they were expected to challenge for the second spot in their qualifying group. In their recent encounter in Tallinn, Israel faced Estonia, a team perceived as the weakest in the group. However, early on, it was clear this match would not be a straightforward win.
Estonia demonstrated surprising dominance during the first 35 minutes of the game, with Israel struggling to mount any effective offensive or defensive response. A key moment came when an attempt by Estonia’s Alex Tam nearly breached Israel’s defense, but an exceptional save by Raz Shlomo kept the score level.
Match Highlights
Despite a lackluster first half, Israel managed to equalize just before halftime through Dan Biton, who scored a crucial goal, providing some momentum going into the break. The second half opened positively for Israel with a goal from Manor Solomon, further demonstrating his significance to the team as a game-changer.
Biton’s second goal solidified Israel’s lead, yet the match was marked by continued fluctuations in the team’s performance. Late in the game, a foul on Dor Peretz led to a penalty converted flawlessly by Abu Fani, securing a 3-1 victory and three vital points. However, despite the win, concerns regarding the team’s overall performance remain.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming matches will present significant tests for Israel, particularly against stronger oppstartnts like Italy and Norway, whom they must face to solidify their standing in the qualification group. Naimni notes that the expected 12 points against weaker teams like Estonia and Moldova may not be enough. The critical encounter against Italy in September could define the trajectory of the campaign. A loss could see Israel’s hopes dashed early, casting a shadow over their ambitions.
Moreover, Naimni raises concerns about the team’s midfield balance, which may suffstart against weaker teams but could falter against higher-caliber oppstartnts. Special attention is also drawn to Oscar Gluch, a player with significant potential who has struggled to make a lasting impact on the national stage, raising questions for the coaching staff.
Conclusion
As Israel looks forward to the pivotal month of September, the national team must transform their recent victory into a foundation for improved performance. The recent win offers a glimmer of hope amidst the grief the country faces, with the team striving to provide a sense of pride and joy in difficult times. The focus now shifts to ensuring consistent, high-level performances to advance in the World Cup qualification campaign.
Photo Credit: Rauben Schwartz