European Soccer: Israel stays loose ahead of Luxembourg clash

Team looks ready to add more wins in its hunt for a first World Cup finals appearance since 1970.

By BEN SOLOMON
israel soccer team excellent pic 224.88 (photo credit: Asaf Kliger)
israel soccer team excellent pic 224.88
(photo credit: Asaf Kliger)
Just days away from its trip to Luxembourg for another round of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying games, the national soccer team appeared calm and collected. On Tuesday the team, which is standing strong in second place in Group 2, held its second training session ahead of Saturday's game in the Stade Josy Barthel, looking loose and ready to add more wins in its hunt for a first World Cup finals appearance since 1970. "I saw a video of Luxembourg," head coach Dror Kashtan said at the morning press conference. "I told the players that we are not going to weaken our dedication." Last month, Luxembourg proved itself a worthy opponent after beating Switzerland in Zürich 2-1. Although Israel only managed to pull off a 2-2 tie with the Swiss, the players feel confident they can do better against their next two opponents. Israel will travel to Latvia to play its fourth game of the campaign on Wednesday at the Skonto Stadions in Riga. "We don't feel the pressure," said defender Dekel Keinan. "We believe we can take six points from both games." Although they are confident, the team has nothing but respect for its opponents and the players said they are taking both games as serious as possible. Luxembourg is tied for third place in the group after an 3-0 loss to Greece last month. "They are a tough team," said Kashtan. "Despite the fact that we are the favorite it's not going to be easy." Latvia also has a 1-1 record after an 2-0 loss to Greece and a 2-1 win over Moldova last month. Lately, the headlines for the Israeli team have been all about the goalkeeper. With starter Nir Davidovitch out injured, backup goalie Dudu Awat has taken his place. However, after being cut from Deportivo La Coruña earlier this year, Awat's experience level has been coming into question. Is this problem on the teams' mind? "Not at all," said back up goalkeeper Liran Strauber. "He's in practice and in good shape. There's no real connection to the fact that your'e not playing." Strauber, along with the rest of the national team has faith in the strength of the goalkeeper corp. "We are three good goalkeepers," claimed Strauber, referring also to third goalie Ohad Cohen. "We all want success for the national team."