Israel v Scotland Review (28/03/21)

An encounter between Israel and Scotland has become a familiar sight in recent times, this the fourth meeting between teams since September 2020. The last time the sides met, Israel got revenge after the Euro 2020 play off semi final; it was a 1-0 win for them in Tel Aviv. Scotland were just off the back of a two all draw at home to Austria whereas Israel started their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 loss at home to high-flying group leaders Denmark going into this one. Steve Clarke named three changes to the team that played at Hampden; Callum McGregor replaced his former Celtic team mate Stuart Armstrong, Che Adams was handed his first Scotland start ahead of Lyndon Dykes up top and Ryan Fraser came in for Ryan Christie. Israel, on the other hand, made one less change than the Scots, bringing in Ofri Arad and Shon Weissman for Joel Abu Hanna and Hoffenheim striker Munas Dabuur. It was a 9.45pm kick off local time at the Bloomfield Stadium as Scotland hoped to win their first away game since the high of the play off final in Belgrade against Serbia. 

The game started a scrappy encounter but there were chances for both sides. The most notable of which came from Scott McTominay whose header went just wide of the post after Andy Robertson’s delivery from the corner. About 15 minutes later, came Israel’s first big chance. The ball fell to Manor Solomon in the box however his shot was straight at David Marshall. If the 21 year old was more accurate, he may have added to the goal he scored against Scotland in November. After this chance, Israel began to take a foothold in the game, creating several chances but their goal was a piece of brilliance and panache. Hatem Elhamed’s cross field ball was knocked down to Solomon, who then laid it off to Dor Peretz who struck the ball with power, from around 28 yards out, into the top right corner. David Marshall got a hand to it, but it wasn’t strong enough. The goal came at such a time where Scotland were unable to architect any opportunities for themselves to draw level before the break. 

The home side certainly dominated the first half, they had more possession, more chances and looked as if they wanted it more than the Scots. The visitors didn’t even manage a shot on target in the first half. 1-0 to Israel at the break. 

The second half saw a change for Scotland, Ryan Christie replaced Jack Hendry. Steve Clarke made his intentions known with this substitute. Scotland would start the second half in a 4-3-3 in contrast to the 5-3-2 they started the game with. 

Oppositely to the first half, Scotland came out the traps in the second. Their main threats at the onset of the half were down the left hand side however their goal came down the opposite flank. John McGinn played through Che Adams who held it up nicely and knocked it back for Ryan Fraser. The Newcastle man took two touches to steady himself, then blasted it through the legs of former Celtic player Hatem Elhamed and into the bottom left corner of Ofir Marciano’s goal, silencing the 5,000 or so fans inside the Bloomfield Stadium. Scotland had got the goal their play and pressing deserved. Five minutes later, Steve Clarke’s men almost went in front. Scott McTominay won it back at the edge of his own box, the Scots then strung a quick few passes together and Che Adams’ effort was palmed away by Hibs keeper Marciano. Israel made their second change on the 73rd minute. Real Valladolid striker Shon Weissman made way for Munas Dabuur. At the same interval, there was a double change for Scotland; Lyndon Dykes and Kenny McLean replaced Che Adams and John McGinn respectively. Since the Adams chance for Scotland, there were no material openings for either side until the ball fell to Scott McTominay on the edge of the Israel 18 yard box however the Manchester United midfielder failed in getting the ball past the first man in the path of his shot. Three minutes later, the hosts thought they had a penalty. The referee blew his whistle when Don Peretz went down in the Scotland box but the 25 year old was booked for simulation on the 81st minute. Going into the final minutes of the 90 the game was open for anyone to snatch a winner. Israel’s foremost chance for a go-ahead goal came from Arsenal-linked Manor Solomon as the ball fell to him at the back post but it was blocked by Stephen O’Donnell. It looked as though Scotland might snaffle a win but a foul was given against them as a corner was whipped in from the far side. Full Time 1-1. 

Man of the match tonight is a toss up between Manor Solomon and Ryan Fraser. Both tricky wingers, however it is Solomon’s work rate’s that win him the accolade in my opinion. He played a part in Israel’s goal, laying off Dor Peretz and he was constantly up and down the wings, dashing, defending and dribbling. No wonder Shaktar Donetsk want upwards of £50 million for him. A fairly entertaining game ended 1-1 in Tel-Aviv. As a result, Denmark and Austria have began to gain ground on the rest in Group F. They both play each other on Wednesday while Israel play Moldova and Scotland play host to the Faroe Islands at Hampden.