Israel to host Germany in commemorative football match

Israel have announced they will host Germany in a prestigious international friendly match in March, to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The IFA and DFB announced the date following a meeting between Israel’s Minister of Culture and Sports Limor Livnat and German Minister of the Interior Thomas de Maiziere.

IFA chairman Avi Luzon said: “The Israeli and German associations cooperate on many matters, we have an excellent relationship and I’m sure this match will be a great experience for the Israeli fans.”

Playing the Germans three days before hosting Wales in a Euro 2016 qualifier, Israel manager Eli Guttman said: “It’s a great honour and massive challenge to face one of the best teams in the world. I’m sure that everyone who comes to the match will enjoy some quality play.”

Saying the match is “another signal of the close ties between the two countries”, DFB president Wolfgang Niersbach said: “The match between the two teams is significant evidence of the excellent relations between both associations and both countries.”

The match will be played in either Jerusalem or Haifa. Germany have played in Israel twice before, winning both games, while Israel have lost twice in Germany, the most recent being a 2-0 defeat in May 2012.