Looking to make up ground on Group I's top two, Israel continue their quest for Euro 2024 qualification on Monday, when they host Andorra at Jerusalem's Teddy Stadium.

After beating Belarus by mounting a late fightback on Friday, Alon Hazan's men will now expect to record successive victories by overcoming one of Europe's minnows.

Match preview

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Having picked up only one point from their opening two matches - a 1-1 draw against Kosovo followed by a 3-0 defeat in Switzerland three days later - Israel trailed behind in the race for a top-two finish in Group I.

Still seeking a first-ever European Championship finals place, the Blue and Whites started out with high hopes of reaching next year's continental gathering in Germany, but the pressure was on coming into this summer's international period.

Taking maximum points last time out in Budapest - where Belarus were forced to play due to their government's involvement in the war in Ukraine - was therefore considered essential, but only a late breakthrough set Israel on the path to a first win of the campaign.

Though they fired in 29 shots and had more than two-thirds of the ball, it took until the 85th minute for Shon Weissman to pull the Israelis level from the penalty spot, having trailed since the early stages. Then, young star Oscar Gloukh - who moved to Red Bull Salzburg earlier this year - struck in stoppage time to deny Belarus even a point.

Yet to make the finals of a major tournament since reaching the 1970 World Cup, Israel participated in the playoffs for Euro 2020 but were beaten by Scotland in the semi-finals. Therefore, coach Alon Hazan knows that building on Friday's success - their first win since beating Albania in the UEFA Nations League last September - is a must if they are to qualify this time around.

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While Israel moved into third spot on five points, Andorra now sit fifth in the Group I standings after three games, following their brave defeat to Switzerland.

Despite having just a 15% share of possession, the tiny principality pushed a confirmed member of Europe's establishment all the way at Estadi Nacional, which holds fewer than 4,000 fans.

Substitute Marcio Vieira struck midway through the second half on Friday, to reduce Andorra's deficit to one goal, but they were ultimately beaten 2-1 by an experienced Swiss side.

Having lost to Romania and drawn with Kosovo in their opening two matches, belief in the Tricolors' camp is surely building, and finishing above Belarus in the final reckoning is a feasible aim.

Victory in Israel is perhaps too tall a task, though, as Andorra have only ever won one European Championship qualification match, and since coach Koldo Alvarez took charge in 2010 he has overseen 81 defeats from 107 matches.

Team News

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After both made a major impact after arriving from the bench in Hungary, Oscar Gloukh and Shon Weissman may be promoted to Israel's starting lineup on Monday evening.

Celtic's Liel Abada and Manor Solomon of Fulham are expected to feature on the wings again, with the hosts likely to line up in an attacking 4-3-3 formation.

Alon Hazan came into this month's qualifying fixtures without Doron Leidner due to injury, while Maccabi Haifa midfielder Mahmoud Jaber is also absent.

Andorra, meanwhile, are set to deploy a five-man defensive line as they seek to frustrate another of Group I's top contenders for a place at Euro 2024.

While 43-year-old captain Ildefons Lima - who boasts a tally of 135 international caps - is generally restricted to a substitute role these days, Spain-based Max Llovera should helm the visitors' rearguard.

Marcio Vieira's goal on Friday may help him win his 121st senior cap from the start, but Koldo Alvarez is expected to name a similar team to that which lined up against Switzerland.

Israel possible starting lineup:
Glazer; Dasa, Goldberg, Shlomo, Davidzada; Gloukh, Peretz, Abu Fani; Solomon, Weissman, Abada

Andorra possible starting lineup:
Alvarez; C. Rubio, Garcia, Llovera, Alavedra, San Nicolas; Alaez, Rebes, Vales, Cervos; Rosas

We say: Israel 2-0 Andorra

They may have only scored one Group I goal before a late double in their third fixture, but Israel offer a varied attacking threat and should have the means to break down an obdurate Andorra side. The visitors have been able to test much larger nations of late, but they will surely come up short on this occasion.


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Written by
Jonathan O'Shea

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