Israel U21 Faces Norway in Crucial European Championship Qualifier
Israel's under-21 football team faces Norway in a crucial European Championship qualifier, aiming for a win to secure a playoff spot and seal a successful campaign under coach Guy Luzon.
The Israel under-21 national team will conclude its European Championship qualifying campaign on Tuesday at 19:45 with a tough away match against group leaders Norway. Entering the final matchday, Israel sits in second place, which secures a spot in the playoffs, and a win will guarantee the coveted ticket to the decisive matches. In the event of a draw or a loss, the team will depend on the concurrent match between third-placed Netherlands and fourth-placed Bosnia.
Preparation and Lineup
Guy Luzon's squad, which secured a 2:3 victory over Slovenia last week, arrived in Norway on Friday to prepare for the crucial showdown. The Israeli camp reports a positive atmosphere and strong belief in accomplishing the mission. Based on the final training sessions, the lineup is expected to mirror the one that started against Slovenia, with Luzon's only dilemma being between Niv Gabay and Muhammad Abu Romi in the attacking department.
Israel will line up with a three-center-back formation, featuring Noam Stapfman alongside Ido Cohen and Maor Yashilirmak in central defense. Noam Ben Harush and Ayad Halaili, who performed well against Slovenia, will continue as fullbacks. The midfield remains unchanged, with goalscorers Niv Yehoshua and Ran Benjamin starting alongside Orian Goren and captain Tai Abed.
Luzon: "We Will Do Everything to Make It Perfect"
Luzon, who has already stated that this will be his final campaign as coach of the under-21 side, shared his thoughts ahead of the match:
"We are in the middle of the campaign, after seven games, and from my perspective, it has been a very good campaign and we will do everything to make it perfect. If we reached the final matchday ahead of the Netherlands, Bosnia, and Slovenia, fighting for a ticket to the Euros, we are on the right track. But we are not satisfied yet; we will only be happy and joyful if we win and qualify for the Euros. Everyone is fit, ready, available, focused, and very hungry to complete the mission."
Commenting on the group leaders, Luzon added: "There is not much to say; Norway has become a football powerhouse in recent years, both in the senior and youth national teams, and if we want to be in the Euros, we have no choice but to win the match and move forward."
