Israel vs Belgium prediction: EUROPE: UEFA Nations League – League A betting tips on match 2024-11-16 19:45.
[p]Israel’s inaugural UEFA Nations League A (UNL) appearance was never expected to be anything short of difficult and that has so far been proven to be the case. Even disregarding the off-field logistical issues that have made their historic campaign much tougher than for most, the nation that has never qualified for a European Championships was all but condemned to relegation the moment they were drawn into a group alongside three current top-ten FIFA ranked opponents. [/p]
[p]Head coach Ran Ben Shimon had to publicly urge his players to disconnect themselves from the security issues that befouled the lead-up to a wonderful 0-0 draw against France in Paris. Hailing “a team that wants to bring results for its people”, Ben Shimon said the team thoroughly deserved their maiden League A point and they’ve now got a fantastic opportunity to go one step further against a Belgium side that could now be switched off.[/p]
[p]But third place in Group A2 is not yet assured for Domenico Tedesco’s side, whose chances of progression to the League A quarter-finals were officially ruined by a 1-0 loss at home to Italy last time out. They still need to take at least one point from this game to move ahead with certainty to the promotion-relegation play-offs in March 2025, whilst a loss will bring head-to-head tiebreakers into play.  [/p]
[p]Said tiebreakers would favour Belgium after they overcame a first-half equaliser to defeat Israel 3-1 in Debrecen, Hungary, a few hours east of the national capital where this fixture will take place. Coupled with an impressive two-goal comeback against Italy in Rome last month, as well as a perfect three wins from three against Israel over the last decade, Belgium will head into this fixture with plenty of solid results both outside of their own borders and against their final opponents for the group stage to feed off.[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Mohammed Abu Fani was one of Israel’s highest rated players in their draw with France, and as a regular starter for Ferencváros, he holds no shortage of experience on Hungarian soil. Loïs Openda has scored in four of his last 12 games for club or country, including a UNL strike against France this campaign. [/p]
[p]Hot stat: Israel have scored in six of their last seven losses (including friendlies). [/p]
[p][i]Written by Aaron Murphy[/i][/p]