Opportunity knocks for Israel

FOOTBALL ANDI Herzog has named a 23-man squad for Israel’s friendly against Guatemala in Netanya next week and the crucial Nations League match against Scotland in Glasgow on November 20.

Israel are confident after victories over Scotland and Albania at home last month and head-to-head results rather than goal difference determining rankings, they need only a draw against the Scots to ensure top place in League C’s Group One and promotion to League B.

Victory for Albania at home to Scotland next week would secure Israel’s position as group winners, even if they lose in Glasgow. Top place will also ensure a berth in the four-team League C playoffs next June, with the winners ensured a slot in the Euro 2020 finals regardless of their performance in the group qualifying stages.

Herzog has recalled former captain Eran Zahavi, who missed both wins last month through injury. Ingolstadt’s Almog Cohen and Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Eyal Golasa have also been included, along with English-based players Beram Kayal and Tomer Hemed.

SQUAD:

Ariel Harush (Hapoel Beer Sheva), Guy Haimov (Maccabi Haifa), Danny Amos (Maccabi Netanya), Taleb Tawatha (Eintracht Frankfurt), Omri Ben Harush (Lokeren), Sharan Yeini (Maccabi Tel Aviv), Loai Taha (Hapoel Beer Sheva), Shir Tzedek (Hapoel Beer Sheva), Ayid Habshi (Maccabi Haifa), Ben Bitton (Hapoel Beer Sheva), Eli Dasa (Maccabi Tel Aviv), Manor Solomon (Maccabi Petah Tikva), Bibras Natkho (Olympiakos), Dan Glazer (Maccabi Tel Aviv), Almog Cohen (Ingolstadt), Dor Peretz (Maccabi Tel Aviv), Eyal Golasa (Maccabi Tel Aviv), Beram Kayal (Brighton), Eran Zahavi (Guangzhou), Tomer Hemed (QPR), Moanes Dabour (Red Bull Salzburg), Ben Sahar (Hapoel Beer Sheva), Dia Saba (Hapoel Beer Sheva)