Israeli football expert Raphael Gellar spoke exclusively to Football Italia about Italy’s opponents in 2018 World Cup qualifying tonight – and how Elisha Levy’s side could spring a surprise on the Azzurri.
Is there a feeling of optimism in Israel around this match or would a point be considered a triumph?
Israeli football expert Raphael Gellar spoke exclusively to Football Italia about Italy’s opponents in 2018 World Cup qualifying tonight – and how Elisha Levy’s side could spring a surprise on the Azzurri.
Is there a feeling of optimism in Israel around this match or would a point be considered a triumph?
Israeli supporters and media would be thrilled with a point this evening. That said, the players are going into the match with the attitude and belief that they can win. We beat Bosnia last year at home and although Bosnia are not as strong as Italy, the players will be motivated in front of a sold-out Sammy Offer stadium (32,000) and the start of a new campaign. Also, to be honest, we don't know what to expect under Ventura. What kind of football we will see, etc. We can only judge from the match on Thursday vs. France. We know Italy are extremely talented, but talent doesn't always win in football.
It's a new Coach for Israel as well as Italy, so what is expected from his style of football? Is he going to be more attack-minded than the previous boss?
It really depends on who we play. We are one of those national teams that have completely different game-plans vs. different countries. Because we are not in the top tier of international football, we have to prepare differently, but we also are not in the bottom tier, so when we play smaller countries than us we also play differently. It's rare when we find ourselves in a group with a team that have similar talent as us. For tonight's match, I think we will focus on having a strong defence and creating quick breaks for Zahavi and Hemed.
Which players should we look out for and could even catch the eye of Serie A clubs? Zahavi is the only one to already have Italian experience with Palermo.
Obviously Eran Zahavi is a player to keep an eye on. Although his time with Palermo was not that successful, he has become a legend in Israel. In 120 appearances with Maccabi Tel Aviv he scored 100 Premier League goals. He was linked with several clubs in Germany, England, Italy etc. before he decided to make a big-money move to China. Tal Ben Haim II, not to be mixed up with the defender, is an extremely talented winger/forward who has become one of the best talents in Israeli football over the last two years. He is very fast and is able to beat several defenders on the wings. In addition, he has improved his finishing touch the last 12 months and will be an important player in the match. Also keep an eye on Nir Bitton, the Celtic holding midfielder, and Tomer Hemed, Brighton's leading goalscorer in the EFL Championship. Both are expected to start tonight.
What are your personal predictions for the game?
I am going to surprise many and say it will be 1-1. Why? Israel have nothing to lose and sometimes that is when a team are most dangerous. No-one expects Israel to advance to the World Cup so the players will be playing with less pressure. Everyone always agrees Israel have a lot of talent, they just never seem to put it together during a full campaign. I think 32,000 people cheering Israel on and several in-form players will help Israel get a massive point to start the new campaign with.
Who do you think will qualify top of this very tough group? Does being in such a difficult group mean Israel feel they have nothing to lose?
Right now, I would give the edge to Spain. I covered the 2013 European Under-21 Championship in Israel and now the new Spanish Coach Julen Lopetegui will get to work with all the players he won that tournament with. I think Italy will finish second and qualify for playoffs and after that is when things could be very interesting. Once again, football is crazy and beautiful and that's why we love it, and if Israel or Albania get off to a dream start then you never know what can happen. I do think, though, that looking at a lot of the groups, this is a really tough one. People underestimate Israel and Albania. Not to mention, Macedonia have really improved over the last few years.