Victory has kept Israel in the mix, says Elisha
FOOTBALL ELISHA Levy described Israel’s victory over Albania as his proudest moment as his team kept themselves in contention for the 2018 World Cup finals with a 3-0 triumph.
In a match moved to Elbasan at the eleventh hour due to security fears, the visitors showed great focus against illdisciplined opponents who finished with nine players.
Looking menacing on the break, Israel attacked Albania with great purpose andtheirpressurepaiddividendswhen Berat Xhimshiti was sent off for scythingdownEranZahaviinthearea.Zahavi dustedhimself downbeforeconverting the resultant penalty.
The hosts adopted a physical approach and they were fortunate not to have more players cautioned until a moment of madness from goalkeeper Etrit Berisha.
When Zahavi went tumbling in the box, the big stopper charged over and pushed his head into Zahavi’s face. There was a second, more aggressive movement, which referee Deniz Aytekin adjudged to be a headbutt and Albania were reduced to nine men. Zahavi failed to capitalise fully, with substitute goalkeeper Alban Hoxha parrying his penalty.
Israel looked comfortable in possession and they doubled their lead on 66 minutes when Maor Buzaglo’s cross fell into the path of Daniel Einbinder who reacted well to score first goal for his country.
Eliran Atar completed a memorable night for Israel with the third goal seven minutes from time.
Levy said: “For me this was the greatest moment in my career as a football manager. It was a great victory and we can see a future.
“We played on a very difficult ground against an excellent team. We were organised and played with quiet confidence. I always tell players that to win difficult away games you need character and ability.
“We still have a long campaign ahead of usandwemustimproveif wewantto be proud of the team at the end.”
Prior to kick-off, Levy sent home Celtic midfielder Nir Bitton for refusing to follow his instructions during a training session. Levy said: “A manager must be able to make unpopular decisions and that’s what I’ve done wherever I’ve worked.”
Bitton’s agent, Dudu Dahan, defended the player: “Nir told the coaching staff in complete innocence that he still had not warmed up and the manager drew his conclusions from that. Every manager that has coached Nir over the past decade in Israel and abroad and for the Israeli national team will tell you about zero disciplinary problems and zero disobedience of instructions on the professional and personal levels.”
Israel’s next match is against Group G leaders Spain on March 24.