Israel defeated Albania 1-0 as Oscar Gloukh scored the lone goal of the match in the second half, recording a clean sheet and taking the win in a friendly in Tirana.
After a goalless first half, the blue-and-white finally broke through when Ajax’s Gloukh made his way into the box off the left side and slotted home a marvelous strike to notch the only goal of the game.
Following the marker, Gloukh silenced the crowd, pointed to the Israeli emblem on his shirt, and kissed it in response to the booing during the Hatikva national anthem prior to the match.
However, Elseid Hysaj, Albania’s full-back, took exception to Gloukh’s celebration as both squads got into a shoving match that saw the two principals receive yellow cards for their extracurricular activities.
Next up for Israel is the Nations League group stage, beginning in September, with Austria, Ireland, and Kosovo.
Gal Cohen, the assistant coach who took charge in the absence of Ran Ben Shimon, who remained in Israel following an injury, spoke about the performance.
“The first half was chaotic, and we struggled. We created chances, but we were also exposed defensively. In the second half, with the halftime substitutions, I think the team stabilized. It’s not easy to manage a match with 11 substitutions. I think both the players who came on and the tactical instructions we gave made the difference. I’m happy that, in terms of the result, which is what matters most, we also kept a clean sheet. I’m proud of the players.”
Cohen: 'I’m happy for Oscar'
Cohen also commented on Gloukh’s gesture after his goal.
“I understand him, but I also had to take him off at that moment so the situation wouldn’t escalate. I’m happy for Oscar; it was an important goal for him and for us.”
Gloukh himself talked about the incident.
“I couldn’t just ignore being booed during the national anthem. We didn’t expect that; it was only a friendly match. I was fired up from the start, and with the emotions and the goal, that was my reaction in the end. I don’t regret it. I’m very happy. The guys did a tremendous job. It’s a very important win going forward because this is our level, the level we need to aspire to. We played very well, we were at the level and even above it, and we need to keep going.”
Solomon: 'We were surprised' by anthem boos
Israel’s Manor Solomon also spoke after the match.
“We played an excellent match in a hostile atmosphere. It’s another step toward our goal. We’re improving, and we’re satisfied. As for the boos during the anthem, we were surprised by it. It was unpleasant, and perhaps the harshest booing we’ve received so far. The Albanians welcomed us warmly, so we didn’t expect it. But as football players, we have to know how to deal with it.”
On the boos, Israel midfielder Eliel Peretz added: “Throughout the three years of the war, I’ve become used to boos, whether in Europe or elsewhere. It’s unpleasant and disrespectful. But in the end, we’re professionals. It gives us motivation to come out and win. It’s a bit humiliating and hurtful, but as a team we know how to respond properly, and the best way to prove ourselves is on the pitch. You saw in Oscar’s goal that all the emotion came pouring out. It gives us motivation. We always want to win, and it puts extra fire in our eyes.”
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