2023-11-26 14:08:48
Israel’s Women’s National Soccer Team Remains Unbeaten in Nations League After 0-0 Draw with Kazakhstan
Israel’s women’s soccer team was looking to secure a third consecutive victory in the Nations League today, which would have left them with a perfect balance. However, they were only able to finish with a 0-0 draw against Kazakhstan, whom they had previously beaten 0-2 last Thursday.
The Israeli team demonstrated clear superiority over the Kazakh side, but found themselves thwarted by a standout performance from Kazakh goalkeeper Angelina Portanova. Following a first half with few goal threats, Israel’s head coach Erez Belfer’s team raised their game in the second half, with Noa Slimhogic making a significant impact after coming off the bench.
Slimhogic took charge of the game and delivered some excellent crosses into the box, but unfortunately, there were no takers to finish them off. In the closing minutes, Slimhogic unleashed several dangerous shots, only to be denied by a fantastic performance from Portanova in goal.
The draw leaves Israel tied for first place at home with seven points alongside Estonia, while Kazakhstan sits in third place. Prior to the match, the players paid tribute to Naama Levy, who was kidnapped in Gaza, wearing shirts bearing her name and the date of her abduction.
Commenting on the game, coach Erez Bluffer said, “As we predicted before the game, we knew it would be a very difficult game. There were some positives, but many things that needed to be fixed.”
Dawn broke, a player on the team, added, “It was a very, very difficult game, but I think our heads are now for the next three games, they are very, very important… Armenia? I think we will work much harder, it will also be more difficult, there will be more pressure, but I really believe in all of them and see that we can do it, and in a big way.”
During the first half, the Kazakh side threatened Israel’s goal with a strong shot, while in the second half, Slimhogic and Awad missed opportunities to secure a win for Israel.
The Israeli national team lineup for the game included Proton Rubin, Maya Hitman, Noam Echtel, Maria Almzri, Shahar Nekev, Coral Hazan, Hadas Morin, Talia Sommer, Marian Awad, Shira Alinev, and Mital Sharabi.
The team will now look ahead to their next game against Armenia, as they aim to continue their unbeaten run in the Nations League.
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