Prefer Jewish News on Google
Israel lose UEFA Nations League opener
Andreas Herzog's first game in charge ends in a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Albania
Israel’s UEFA Nations League campaign got off to a disappointing start on Friday night after they were beaten 1-0 by Albania in Elbasan.
With Andreas Herzog taking charge of the side for the first time, the Israelis edged the first half, with Eran Zahavi – recalled to the side having quit international football a year ago – going close on two occasions, including stumbling past the home goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha, but unable to bundle the ball into an open net.
Zahavi was forced off early in the second half, replaced by QPR’s on-loan striker Tomer Hemed, and with it, went Israel’s main threat.
The only goal of the game arrived in the 55th minute, when Taulant Xhaka – brother of Arsenal midfielder Granit – fired in from 20 yards past Maccabi Haifa’s Guy Haimov.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfBu_qEq3Fc
Israel now, in effect, needs to beat Scotland next month to keep alive its hopes of qualifying for Euro 2020, though first face a friendly match on Tuesday night, when they travel to Belfast to take on Northern Ireland.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
