World Cup Qualifying Preview: Israel – Greece

Usually you would see one of Chris’ articles start off with a link to goal.com, but I’m soon to be part of that global football family, so some articles from this point on will include a familiar line such as the one below…

In cooperation with Goal.com:

Ramat Gan plays hosts to a table-topping battle this weekend as Israel hosts Greece, with the former bottling aspirations of overtaking their guests for top spot in Group 2; however, the EURO 2004 winners will be keen to put up a fight in the first of a doubleheader with Israel…

The preliminary round might just be reaching its interval, but Saturday night holds great importance for either side’s hopes of reaching the World Cup Finals in just over a year’s time. With one-point separating the sides, a tactical battle is expected ahead of the biggest challenge for either side thus far.

Home Advantage

Israel’s hopes of qualifying for their first World Cup Finals in forty years will depend heavily on their form at home, as the national team’s loyal supporters have the potential to sway the game.

Knowing both sides will meet again in the coming week, this match holds a must-win feeling for the hosts. It will also be a time to rebound for Dror Kashtan’s side after a disappointing draw with Latvia in their last World Cup qualifier. They remain the only undefeated side in the group, and can take confidence from their recent friendly win over Hungary.

On the contrary, Israel has struggled against Greece historically, having collected just two wins compared to Greece’s seven. With that poor form against their Balkan guests, Israel’s ambitions will be hinted with what appears to be a bright future for Israeli football.

Restoring Pride

Greek Independence Day was celebrated earlier in the week, but pride in the Greek National Team has been lacking in recent months. Greece will be urged to win back their fans with a strong showing on Saturday.

Winless since their defeat to Switzerland in a World Cup Qualifier in Piraeus, Greece’s lacklustre form is a worrying point for manager Otto Rehhagel. A potent attack has lacked success in front of goal, while troubles in the backline have stemmed from inconsistency; yet Greece has still managed to hold down top spot.

A resolute Greece squad must be in attendance if the Galanoleuki are to withstand Israel’s pressure, and remain frontrunners for next year’s World Cup. A traditional defensive formation will be the key, but a dose of youth might be necessary to keep pace with a sharp Israeli midfield.

FORM GUIDE

Israel

Sep 10.    Moldova 1-2 Israel    (World Cup Qualifier)
Oct 11.    Luxembourg 1-3 Israel    (World Cup Qualifier)
Oct 15.    Latvia 1-1 Israel    (World Cup Qualifier)
Nov 19.   Israel 2-2 Ivory Coast   (Friendly)
Feb 11.    Israel 1-0 Hungary    (Friendly)

Greece

Sep 10.    Latvia 0 – 2 Greece    (World Cup Qualifier)
Oct 11.    Greece 3 – 0 Moldova    (World Cup Qualifier)
Oct 15.    Greece 1 – 2 Switzerland    (World Cup Qualifier)
Nov 19.    Greece 1 – 1 Italy    (Friendly)
Feb 11.    Greece 1 – 1 Denmark    (Friendly)

TEAM NEWS

Israel

Yossi Benayoun remains questionable for Israel as the Liverpool midfielder has not reached full fitness, but his status will be revaluated ahead of kickoff for the opportunity of being a game-time addition.

Greece

A slight training ground injury to Giourkas Seitaridis appears to be Greece’s only problem, but the Atletico Madrid man is likely to sit out the match as Loukas Vyntra provides cover.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Israel

With Benayoun doubtful for the match, the rest of the Israel squad will have to provide cover in the absence of their captain. Ben Sahar could be a vital part of the squad as the wunderkind will undoubtedly cause Greece problems down the flank.

Greece

Aside from the squad’s traditional performers, it will be interesting to see if Theofanis Gekas will make his presence felt after a long stint on the sidelines at Portsmouth FC. Team-mate Angelos Basinas has also been part of a conspiracy keeping the Greece duo on the bench at Pompey, and it now seems their time with the national team will be their best chance of earning a spot in the Portsmouth line-up.

PREDICTION

With top spot hanging in the balance both sides have their sights set firmly on securing a win. Israel’s passionate crowd gives them the edge, but an experienced Greece shouldn’t be disregarded. A low-scoring draw could be what both sides are destined for come kick-off.

Israel 1-1 Greece