Israel will host Romania in Group I of Euro 2024 qualifying. The Tricolors are getting ready for their first game since defeating Andorra 4-0 last month. The Sky Blue and Whites are getting ready for their third of four qualifiers in ten days.
Preview (Israel vs. Romania)
Alon Hazan’s team has demonstrated a true fighting spirit to stay in the running for an automatic qualification slot in Group I despite the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. On Wednesday, they drew 1-1 with Switzerland to earn a crucial point. Ruben Vargas had given Switzerland the lead in the first half. Israel was headed to lose by the same score three days earlier in a close 1-0 loss to Kosovo. But in the 88th minute, Granada striker Shon Weissman, who had been on the substitutes’ bench, equalized the score, compelling both countries to split the victory.
With eight Euro 2024 qualifiers under their belt, Israel has amassed 12 points overall. It is one more than they did in their ten Euro 2020 qualification games. Presently, they are in third place in Group I, four points behind leaders Switzerland and Romania. The Sky Blue and Whites are aware that if they don’t defeat Romania, they won’t be able to finish in the top two spots in Group I, but because of their performance in the UEFA Nations League, where they are now leading League B Group 2, they will at the very least guarantee a playoff spot.
They have amassed 16 points from an undefeated eight-game schedule, placing them second only to leaders Switzerland on goal differential. Last time out, the Tricolours defeated Andorra at home with goals from Nicolae Stanciu, Ianis Hagi, Rayvan Marin, and Florian Coman. They also maintained their third straight clean sheet. Edward Iordanescu’s team is aware that if they win against Israel. They will automatically qualify for the tournament in Germany the following year. Should Switzerland lose to Kosovo, however, a victory might put them in a strong position to win Group I.
Team News
While Sagiv Yehezkel was forced out with an injury in the first half of Israel’s loss to Kosovo last weekend and missed the draw with Switzerland, the team is already dealing with the absence of injured wingers Manor Solomon and Ligel Abada. Yehezkel is anticipated to be out until Saturday. But Roy Revivo, who was on suspension, is back for Israel. The defender will likely start at left-back instead of Ofir Davidzada. He will join Eli Dasa, Sean Goldberg, and either Miguel Vitor or Raz Shlomo in the back four. This month, Eran Zahavi came off the bench in midweek. He made his first appearance on the Israel team since his disagreement with Israeli sporting director Yossi Benayoun.
With three straight clean sheets under his belt, Iordanescu has no incentive to rotate his defense, thus Radu Dragusin and Andrei Burca will once again start at center back to shield goalie Horatiu Moldovan. The son of Romanian legend Georghe Hagi, Ianis Hagi, may continue to play at number 10, forcing Marin and captain Stanciu into deeper midfield positions. After making his senior international debut against Andorra the previous time out, Daniel Birligea will be looking to hold off challenges from George Puscas and Dennis Alibec to maintain his starting position.
Israel 2 – 2 Romania
For more football previews, click here
