Israel face tough test at Hampden
V ISRAEL will face Scotland in their one-off Euro 2020 play-off semi-final at Hampden Park on March 26.
And if Andi Herzog’s side progress, they will be away to Norway or Serbia for a finals place five days later.
Israel were one of four ‘Path C’ teams, alongside Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary Scotland could have drawn.
Israel beat Scotland, then managed by Alex McLeish, 2-1 on home soil in 2018 before losing to the Scots 3-2 at Hampden the following month, meaning Scotland topped the Nations League group.
Israel, who finished fifth in their Euro qualifying group have never reached the European Championships finals before.
Herzog’s side sit in 89th place in the FIFA world rankings, 36 places below Scotland, and they know they must improve their away form after losing their last four matches in their travels in the qualifiers.
Scotland manager Steve Clarke was in confident mood after the draw. “The good thing about playing Israel is that, though I wasn’t manager, a lot of the players played against Israel in the Nations League and will have a good idea of what to expect,” he said.
“I’m sure we’ll go in as favourites because we have home advantage. The crowd at Hampden can be a big plus for us, I’m sure the stadium will be full and it’s up to us to perform. The most important thing is we are a host nation and don’t want to be standing on the sidelines watching someone else enjoying themselves in Glasgow.”
Clarke and his players will be wary of Israel striker Eran Zahavi. He scored 11 goals in 10 qualifying games and the 32-year-old also claimed a goal at Hampden in the last meeting with Scotland.
Herzog will call on the knowledge of goalkeeper Ofir Marciano, who plays for Hibs, and Nir Bitton, a defensive midfielder for SPL champions Celtic. Beram Kayal, now at Charlton, previously played for Celtic.