Israel faces a formidable challenge against World Cup finalists France at the Stade de France on Thursday night, with off-field security concerns dominating the build-up to this Nations League fixture.
The match comes amid heightened tensions following recent attacks on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans in Amsterdam, prompting the Israel National Security Council to advise supporters against attending. A significant police presence will secure the stadium and surrounding areas, with French President Emmanuel Macron potentially in attendance.
Israel coach Ran Ben Shimon has attempted to shift focus to the sporting challenge ahead, stating: "Right now I'm more concerned about the France attack on the pitch than anything that will happen to us. I feel very safe and safe to walk around with the logo of the Israel National Team. We hope that everything will be fine."
On the sporting front, Ben Shimon's squad arrives in Paris still seeking their first points in Nations League A Group 2. Despite scoring in all four matches so far, Israel has struggled against elite opposition. However, the coach remains optimistic about his team's development, emphasizing their commitment to attacking football rather than adopting an overly defensive approach.
The Israeli squad receives a significant boost with the return of Bayern Munich goalkeeper Daniel Peretz and Leeds United midfielder Manor Solomon from injury. Rising star Oscar Gloukh, who impressed while playing for Red Bull Salzburg in the Champions League, is expected to play a key role. An interesting addition to the squad is Maccabi Haifa’s Dia Saba, who returns to the national team after more than four years. Saba is the Israeli Premier League's most in-form player, with six goals and five assists in ten games.
The match kicks off at the Stade de France on Thursday evening, with extensive security measures in place.
A dramatic night in Tel Aviv saw Hapoel Be’er Sheva beat Beitar Jerusalem to win the Israeli Cup, in a final halted by a Red Alert siren.