Israel Prepares for Final UEFA Nations League Matches Against Kosovo and Austria
The Israel national football team gathered in Shefayim to prepare for its final UEFA Nations League matches against Kosovo and Austria under coach Ran Ben Shimon.
The Israel national football team convened this afternoon at the national training center in Shefayim to begin preparations for its final two matches in the UEFA Nations League: facing Kosovo away this coming Saturday, followed three days later by a clash against Austria in Debrecen, Hungary.
Squad Changes and Key Replacements
Head coach Ran Ben Shimon and his staff are determined to finish the campaign on a positive note following a disappointing previous gathering that yielded just two points from four matches. However, the fixture in Pristina on Saturday afternoon is expected to be a stern test.
The team received a setback with confirmation that Anan Khalaili is unfit and has been released from the squad. Khalaili was slated to start on the right flank in a three-center-back formation, with Liel Abada expected to fill the void. Abada, who plays for Charlotte FC in MLS, arrives as one of Israel's bright spots from the previous international window.
Tactical Adjustments in Midfield
Ben Shimon expressed satisfaction with the recent progress of Roy Revivo in Spain and Oscar Gloukh in the Netherlands. Nevertheless, the squad must manage without Eliel Peretz, who started all four previous matches and is sidelined with an injury. Niv Yehoshua of Hapoel Beersheba is expected to step into the defensive midfield role.
The national squad will hold four training sessions in Shefayim before departing for Kosovo on Thursday. Another focal point of the gathering is Orian Goren, who received his first senior national team call-up and is expected to see minutes in both upcoming fixtures.
Nations League Standings and Scenarios
Israel currently sits at the bottom of League B, Group 3 with two points from four matches, trailing Austria, Kosovo, and Ireland. The primary objective is to climb to third place to secure automatic survival, while finishing fourth would force a relegation playoff in March 2027 against a runner-up from League C.
