ZAHAVI: WE WANT FANS UNITED BEHIND

ISRAEL striker Eran Zahavi has called for unity ahead of tonight’s crucial World Cup clash in Copenhagen – as he closes in on becoming their all-time top scorer.

The Israelis stunned Austria 5-2 at the weekend with the PSV Eindhoven hitman scoring twice to take his international tally to 31.

That’s just one off the landmark that was set by Mordechai Spiegler during the 1960s and 70s.

But the victory was marred when his strike partner Munas Dabbur of Hoffenheim was booed for having criticised Israeli forces after clashes with the Palestinian population.

And with Israel leading the way for a play-off slot, Zahavi wants the whole nation to get behind them as he bids to create his own piece of history.

He said: “It’s an amazing feeling to be so close to the record but it’s not about me, it’s about the team.

“Now we have a very important game in Denmark

and we want everyone to be behind us. There’s no point in starting to talk about how many points we would need to reach the play-offs if everyone isn’t pulling in the same direction.

“The booing Munas got was far from pleasant but he expected it. We dealt with it very well as a team and importantly, so did Munas.

“It’s over now, it’s happened and the important thing is for everyone to learn from it.

“Israelis are difficult people and not everyone can understand each other’s beliefs. I prefer it when our supporters are united behind us. In the end, it didn’t matter.

“But moving forward it would make a huge difference if everyone is heading in the same direction – because we have a chance of a special achievement here.”