Israel Names Expanded Squad for Norway and Italy Tests
The Israel national team, led by head coach Ran Ben Shimon, has released its expanded squad for the World Cup qualifying window. The upcoming fixtures present a dual challenge: a home or away meeting with strong Norway next Saturday and an away game against Italy shortly afterward. The federation stressed that there are no major surprises in the selections, signaling a strategy built on continuity and trusted performers as Israel chases crucial points in the group.
Context and Stakes
Israel sits in third place in the qualifying group with 9 points, six points behind the current leaders, Norway, who appear to be on a footing toward the World Cup. The two fixtures in the window carry significant weight: maintaining momentum against a Nordic powerhouse and testing nerves against a traditional European heavyweight. The squad announcement comes amid an international backdrop of discussions about Israel’s status in FIFA and UEFA. While there have been reports of calls to suspend Israel from international bodies, the Israeli Football Association has stated there is no emergency meeting planned on the matter and has emphasized a routine preparation cycle ahead of the fixtures.
Goalkeepers
The roster is anchored by three experienced custodians who bring different strengths between the sticks: Daniel Peretz, Omri Glazer, and Asaf Tzur. Their presence provides depth and ensures competition for the starting role as Israel looks to tighten its defense and manage games through the window.
Defenders
The defensive unit combines reliability and versatility, with a mix of bloc-building and individual ball-playing capabilities. Included in the lineup are:
– Roi Ravivo
– Guy Mizrahi
– Or Blorian
– Anan Halili
– Shlomi Yakhaiel (Shagiv Yakhzeq)
– Matan Baltaxa
– Eli Dasa
– Dani Groper
– Idan Nachmias
– Stav Lamkin
Midfield and Attack: Remaining Spots To Be Finalized
While the full midfield and forward selections aren’t detailed in the released excerpt, the coaching staff will be weighing options across domestic leagues and international clubs. Ben Shimon has historically valued a balanced midfield that can press effectively, build from the back, and create chances in transition. Expect the final call to consider factors such as form, fitness, and compatibility with the tactical plan for Norway and Italy.
The Road Ahead
With two high-profile fixtures on the horizon, Israel will rely on a core group of players to deliver a disciplined defensive showing and efficient transitions in attack. The presence of players like Baltaxa and Dasa at the back suggests a focus on stabilizing the defense, while the goalkeeping trio provides options for different match scenarios. The midfield and forward lines will be tuned to exploit opportunities against Norway’s pressing and Italy’s organized setup, aiming to maximize set-piece potential and attacking transitions.
What This Means for Ben Shimon’s Plan
Ben Shimon’s approach appears to emphasize continuity, with the announcement featuring familiar names and a clear message that the squad will push hard for results in the qualifying window. The absence of dramatic changes signals confidence in a trusted core while leaving room for tactical tweaks, should the need arise after the two European tests. As the team prepares, the focus will be on cohesion, defensive shape, and the ability to convert chances at critical moments.
