Israel National Team Develops Unbreakable Characteristics
National Team Victory Over Estonia
In a challenging match held in Tallinn, the Israeli national football team achieved a significant victory against Estonia, winning 3-1. This success places Israel firmly in second place in Group T of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Head Coach Ran Ben-Shimon expressed gratitude towards his players in a post-match interview, highlighting their determination: “We did it. Credit goes to these players for their resilience; they came after a long season. The June matches are the most difficult, and we struggled initially against a team that is not easy to play.”
Team Resilience Amidst Challenges
Ben-Shimon emphasized that the team’s achievement is not solely based on the match outcome but rather on their character and determination. “There are players here who haven’t played for a month and a half, and yet they gathered their strength and played excellently. This was a tough day for all of us,” he remarked, referring to the somber news about fallen soldiers that arrived just before the game. “Those are the people I want to go into battle with.”
Tactical Decisions and Team Strategy
Addressing the decision to bench player Halailey, Ben-Shimon acknowledged the criticism that comes with such chostarts. Despite Halailey’s absence, players Raz and Idan performed exceptionally well, proving their worth after being out of action for over a month. “There are many angles to consider,” Ben-Shimon explained. He mentistartd that key players like Daniel Peretz, who is often in the starting lineup, may sometimes find themselves on the bench due to tactical needs.
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, Ben-Shimon acknowledged the tough competition posed by teams such as Italy and Norway. “We’ve assessed internally that Norway could top the group,” he stated. However, he ensured that the team’s focus remains on winning their next match against Norway away.
Acknowledging National Pain
The coach also reflected on the emotional state of the players amid national hardship. “It’s a difficult day for our country. We were confused in the locker room, but if we see ourselves as soldiers, we want to send them a warm hug,” he shared. The team feels deeply connected to the events back home, understanding the real and profound pain experienced by families who have lost loved starts defending the nation.
Focused on Development
As for the upcoming match against Slovakia, Ben-Shimon made it clear that it’s not merely a friendly. “I want to see players who challenge me and give opportunities to young talent to prove themselves. We are looking to earn small victories and have many intermediate goals from this match,” he said. He expressed satisfaction with the team’s current attitude and character, noting that they are developing qualities of resilience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Ben-Shimon expressed confidence in his squad’s ongoing character development. “The team is cultivating qualities of being unbreakable, both in the last game and this start,” he asserted. The upcoming matches will serve as critical tests for the national team as they strive for success in the qualifying rounds for the World Cup.
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