Maccabi Tel Aviv plays against France after attack in Amsterdam - Israel Sports

The The Israeli national team plays against France in Paris on Thursday evening and Belgium on Sunday in the final two matches of the Nations League campaign.

So far, Ran Ben Shimon’s side have struggled against some of the top teams not just in Europe but globally as the blue and whites look to secure their first points in Nations League A Group 2 action.

Israel will be in the world spotlight next the attacks on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans last week after the club’s Europa League match against Ajax in Amsterdam. A heavy police presence will accompany the team and patrol both the city of Paris and the Stade de France in Saint-Denis. The Israeli National Security Council has advised fans not to attend the match due to the ongoing threat of copycat attacks in France, Belgium and major cities in Britain.

Before leaving for Paris, Ben Shimon spoke about his selection, the challenges ahead, the security situation and the brutal attack in Amsterdam.

“The horrific events in Amsterdam were unimaginable. These were very difficult moments to witness, and like everything else we have experienced over the past year, nothing surprises me anymore. We are a strong nation and we will overcome it,” Ben Shimon said.

Israeli supporters of Maccabi Tel Aviv demonstrate and light torches as a police officer patrols the area in Amsterdam on November 7, 2024, in this screenshot obtained from a social media video. (credit: Michel Van Bergen/via REUTERS)

He continued: “Even when I travel to France, I feel quite safe. We are always accompanied by large security forces, and they are great people. Right now I’m more concerned about France’s attack on the pitch than anything that might happen off the pitch. I feel very safe when I walk around with the Israeli national team logo. We hope everything turns out well.”

Ben Shimon addressed fans who wanted to attend despite the warnings and shared his perspective.

“One of the most amazing aspects of the Israeli national team is our incredible supporters. On the other hand, this concerns human lives, and every instruction from the National Security Council or other authorities must be followed. But ultimately this is out of my hands.”

He added: “I was at the Olympics in France this summer and I saw the large Jewish community and Israeli supporters. It really warmed my heart. But the most important thing is the safety of the fans.”

French President Macron may attend the match

“It is a great honor that the French President can come and watch the match,” noted Ben Shimon. “We hope he will make better decisions about Israel in the future. For us, it’s about focusing on the field and representing the State of Israel with pride.”

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Ben Shimon has been working hard with the team in recent months to find the right combination of players for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which start in early 2025. He has used the Nations League group stage as a testing ground for this goal.

The coach made some changes from previous windows and called up players who were injured, such as Bayern Munich goalkeeper Daniel Peretz and Leeds United midfielder Manor Solomon. He also introduced new faces like Nikita Stoyanov and Yarden Shua, while remembering Dia Saba, Roie Mishpati and Dean David. They will join key players including Liel Abada, Oscar Gloukh, Dor Peretz and captain Eli Dasa, who missed the final window due to injury.

Ben Shimon, who is yet to earn a point in the campaign, is focused on achieving that goal.

“We would really like to score some points this window. But sometimes, even without points, you get something valuable out of these games. It was clear to us that this group would be a challenge, but I am confident that we are building something meaningful for the future.”

He added: “We have scored in all four games so we have played attacking rather than overly defensive. Before each window, I carefully consider the squad and select players who will contribute – not necessarily just the best players, but also those who will fit in well with the team. The players here are the most important, and they are ready for this battle – a sporting battle, as the real battle is fought by our heroic soldiers.”

This window contains a mix of new players and returnees. Ben Shimon commented on some specific selections.

“A mistake was made last time by not calling Dean David, but he is here now because he deserves it based on his fitness. How many minutes he plays did not factor into the decision.

“Dia Saba is in excellent form in the Israeli league. One of our goals for the Nations League is to find players who can help us along the way, and we have done that.”

When Ben Shimon first called Yarden Shua, he said: “Yarden is in good condition and worthy of the national team. He was excited when he got the call, and that’s how it should be.”

Because there is no natural left back in the selection, Ben Shimon will have to be creative in his formation.

“Sean Goldberg can play as a left back and we have fast full-backs who can adapt. There are solutions within the team,” he said.

Bayern Munich’s Peretz, returning from injury, was another key player.

“Daniel Peretz plays for one of the biggest clubs in the world. He is currently our first-choice goalkeeper, but we also have excellent options in this position, including Sherif Kayuf and Omri Glazer.’

Solomon returns after a year of injuries, while Gloukh is back for his third straight stint. Ben Shimon praised their efforts.

“Manor is working hard to reintegrate into the squad, and I see him as part of this team in the long term. Oscar has been great recently and I am very pleased with his progress.”

Finally, Ben Shimon reflected on the team’s overall growth.

“This team is capable of earning more than one point. From the start we knew this group would have a hard time, but we want to build something strong for the future. I like the attitude of the players and what they have achieved so far. I have gained valuable insights that will help us move forward.”