Israel coach vows to attack Spain in World Cup qualifier

Elisha Levy has said his Israel side will look to attack Spain when the sides meet in their 2018 World Cup qualifier in Gijon on Friday night.

The Israelis go into the game on the back of three wins, which sees them sit third place in their qualifying group, a point behind the joint-leaders, Spain and Italy.

Despite going into the game as major underdogs, Levy says his team won’t turn up for the game simply to defend. He said: “We know we are facing one of the strongest national teams in the world, but we will go to Spain with the goal of playing positive football.

“We want to threaten Spain’s goal and do all we can to get a good result. We don’t want to capitulate against any opponent. This is a big test for us, but we will do our best.”

Only the winners of each group will qualify automatically for next summer’s tournament in Russia, with the eight best runners-up taking part in a two-leg play-off.

The two sides have met on four previous occasions, with Spain having won three of the matches. The last game between the two was a 1-1 draw in a 2002 World Cup qualifier in Tel Aviv.