Dream is over if we lose, says Israel boss

ISRAEL manager Willi Ruttensteiner last night admitted that a Scotland victory this evening will kill off his side’s hopes of reaching the World Cup.

With the second and third-placed sides separated by a solitary point in Group F, the Austrian believes Israel going four points behind with just three games remaining would simply give his side too much to do.

Warning his players that the prospect of a capacity Hampden crowd is likely to give Steve Clarke’s players an extra edge, Ruttensteiner said: ‘It feels like a different game. It is the first time (in four years) the stadium will be full.

‘It is totally different to the three other matches we have played here recently. It will be a big advantage for Scotland having a full crowd.

‘If Scotland win, I think they will finish second. Four points ahead would be a big advantage.

‘If it is a draw, it will be a real battle until the end. If we win the game, then we will only have the butter and the bread.

‘I think it will be between ourselves and Scotland to fill second place, with all due respect to Austria.’

Ruttensteiner’s preparations have been disrupted by the absence of key defenders Eitan Tibi and Orel Dgani but he remains confident the players at his disposal can secure a positive result.

‘We feel right at home here,’ said the veteran coach ahead of a fourth game in Scotland in three years. ‘We travelled to Scotland on Monday and have prepared well. Now we have to bring everything to the pitch and I’m sure we can do that in such a crucial game.

‘I’m totally clear in my starting line-up but I can’t reveal it as it would be a disadvantage.’

For all Ruttensteiner does not have his problems to seek at the back, his front three — Eran Zahavi, Mu’nas Dabbur and Manor Solomon — offer formidable firepower.

‘All over Europe they will talk about us if we beat Scotland,’ he added. ‘I am very proud of my team and our ability to attack is dangerous. We are so prepared for this game and I think we are so strong.

‘Zahavi is a role model but alone he can do nothing. The unit and this brave team is where the power lies.’

Respectful of the challenge Clarke’s side will pose, Ruttensteiner said: ‘I don’t know if we are able to beat Scotland. They are clear favourites. We are 80th in the rankings, so Scotland can only lose. They have a lot of players playing in the Premier league.

‘The teams are so close and the level is so high, no team will dominate. ‘We had chances in the play-off to beat them and it was a very equal game.’

For veteran skipper Bibras Natkho, a victory this evening would be as important as any his country has managed since they made it to the World Cup for the only time in 1970. ‘We were so close the last time at Hampden,’ he recalled of a loss on penalties in the Euro play-off one year ago. ‘There are no clear favourites, though we are missing a few of our players.

‘There is not a lot to separate the two teams. It is important for me to try and help Israel qualify for a major tournament. That has been one of my dreams since I was a child.

‘It would certainly be the highlight of my career if we could achieve it. We all know the importance of this game. This is a chance for us to make history.

‘Everyone in the dressing room would feel we have missed out if we cannot qualify.’

The Partizan Belgrade midfielder feels it’s time Israel lost their reputation as being far weaker away from home.

‘We don’t feel it is a barrier for us,’ he added. ‘The home team always has an advantage.

‘Yes, we do well at home but we feel we can also get results outside of Israel.’