Israel set for Moldova friendly
Sunday, February 23, 2003
Article summary
The Israel Football Association has announced a friendly against Moldova in Tel-Aviv on 5 March.
Article body
Recent success
Moldova will become the second national team to play in Israel following the recent friendly against Armenia on 12 February, which ended in a 2-0 win for the home side. The match at the 44,000-seat National Stadium in Tel-Aviv will be Israel's final preparation before the UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying tie away to Cyprus in Nicosia on 29 March. Israel lie in second place in Group 1, having won their only game so far 2-0 in Malta in October.
UEFA sanctions
Israel have been banned from playing competitive matches at home by UEFA, but friendly fixtures come under the jurisdiction of FIFA. Coach Avraham Grant has named an unchanged squad from the Armenia game, meaning Israel will use domestic-based players only.
Israel squad
Elimelech, Awat, Harazi, Benado, Keisi, Zano, Tal, Badier, Zandberg, Haim, Nimni, Dago, Biton, Gershon, Antebi, Abuksis, Luz, Afek, Alberman, Holtzman.
