New faces for Grant
Sunday, June 1, 2003
Article summary
Israel's Avraham Grant has named three new players ahead of the UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifier against Slovenia.
Article body
Israel coach Avraham Grant has named three new players in his 20-man squad ahead of the UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifier against Slovenia on 7 June.
Megamadov call
Maccabi Petah Tikva defender Murad Magomedov, who recently received Israeli residency, has been named for the first time. However, the 29-year-old Azerbaijan-born centre-back - who has been playing for Petah Tikva since 1994/95 - now requires clearance from FIFA to represent Israel despite previous appearances for Russia's Under-18 side in 1993.
Defender delighted
Magomedov said of his call up: "I'm delighted that I was given this chance to contribute to the national team against Slovenia. I hope that together we can reach the European finals". Magomedov's inclusion was only one of several changes Grant made to the squad which will depart for the Turkish city of Antaliya on Wednesday.
Haliva included
Hapoel Be'ersheba left-back Tommer Haliva and Maccabi Netanya's Guy Zarfati are the two other new names who are set to represent the national team for the first time. Haliva, who played in the fifth division with Hapoel Segev-Shalom only a year ago, had an outstanding season at Hapoel Be'ersheba and scored four league goals from his defensive position.
Midfield boost
Zarfati, who at 24 led Maccabi Netanya to a fourth-placed finish in the league table with 8 goals and 7 assists, has appeared for Israel at all levels - from the youth team to the U21's. In the absence of the injured Eyal Berkovic, sidelined with a long-term groin strain, and Baruch Dago, who has yet to recover from a broken ankle, Grant has called on Zarfati to strengthen his attacking midfield options.
Awat omitted
Grant has decided to leave out Maccabi Haifa goalkeeper Dudu Awat and will opt instead for Tel Aviv duo Shavit Elimelech and Liran Staruber. In attack, the return of Maccabi Tel Aviv captain Avi Nimni to full fitness is a source of encouragement for Grant, who has also included Haim Revivo of Galatasaray SK and Racing Santander's Yossi Benayoun.
Israel squad
Elimelech, Strauber, Benado, Keisi, Zano, Haim, Uzan, Magomedov, Haliva, Banin, Nimni, Tal, Badier, Zandberg, Abuksis, Zarfati, Revivo, Benayoun, Holtzman, Afek.
