Israel rely on foreign legion

Israel coach Avraham Grant has called up all his foreign-based players to his 24-man squad for the EURO 2004™ game in Malta.

Foreign Legion
Israel will be looking for maximum points from their opening game in Group 1. Grant is taking no chances against the minnows and has put his faith in his foreign legion. Manchester City FC's Eyal Berkovic, Haim Revivo of Turkish side Fenerbahçe SK, Avi Tikva of BSC Young Boys, Rayo Vallacano's Idan Tal and Real Racing Club Santander pair Yossi Benayoun and Ilan Bachar all make the trip.

Hapoel call-ups
Grant has been forced to make a number changes to the squad that recorded recent victories over Lithuania and Luxembourg. Avishai Zano has replaced the injured Alon Harazi while Assi Domb takes over from Hapoel Tel-Aviv team-mate Shimon Gershon who has a knee injury. Pini Balili returns to the squad and to add to the Hapoel contingent full-back Yigal Antebi gets his chance. Maccabi Tel-Aviv's central defender Gadi Brumer has also been added to the squad but faces a late fitness test.

Israel squad
Dudu Awat, Liran Strauber, Arik Benado, Adoram Keisi, Avishai Zano, Gadi Brumer, Avi Strul, Assi Domb, Yigal Antebi, Abed Rabah, Ilan Bachar, Walid Badier, Michael Zandberg, Avi Nimni, Tal Banin, Yossi Abuksis, Omri Afek, Kfir Udi, Pini Balili, Eyal Berkovic, Haim Revivo, Idan Tal, Avi Tikva, Yossi Benayoun.