Local Soccer: Betar to visit giant killer Kfar Saba

The Jerusalem team defeated Kfar Saba 3-2 in the cup quarterfinals last season and midfielder Idan Tal is hoping for a repeat result.

By ALLON SINAI
Betar Jerusalem 298.88 (photo credit: Asaf Kliger)
Betar Jerusalem 298.88
(photo credit: Asaf Kliger)
Israel's top three clubs Betar Jerusalem, Maccabi Haifa and Maccabi Netanya were kept apart in Thursday's State Cup quarterfinal draw at Israel Football Association headquarters in Ramat Gan. Betar and Haifa were drawn to visit the two remaining National League clubs in the competition, with Hapoel Kfar Saba to host Jerusalem and Ahi Nazareth to host Haifa. Netanya faces a slightly tougher prospect after being drawn to play Bnei Sakhnin at home, with Hakoach Amidar Ramat Gan to visit Ashdod SC in the remaining last eight encounter. All the quarterfinals will be played on Wednesday, April 22. "Even though we face a team from the National League we will not underestimate them," Betar coach Reuven Atar said. "We will be playing our best team just like we did in the round of 16 match against Hapoel Acre." Betar defeated Kfar Saba 3-2 in the cup quarterfinals last season and midfielder Idan Tal is hoping for a repeat result. "Kfar Saba will try and deny us from winning the cup for a second straight year, but if we maintain our recent form there's no reason why we shouldn't be able to advance," Tal said. Haifa coach Elisha Levy wasn't pleased with being handed an away draw once more. "We haven't received favorable draws this season," said Levy, who has already seen his team claim cup victories at Hapoel Ramat Gan and Hapoel Tel Aviv in 2009. "We've been drawn to face a tough home team with loyal supporters and we will need our fans to back us to overcome this obstacle." Netanya 'keeper Liran Strauber believes his team should advance. "It's never easy to face Sakhnin, but we are playing at home and we need to win," Strauber said. "Everyone knows we're just one win away from playing in Ramat Gan and that says it all."