Israel v Wales background
Monday, February 2, 2015
Article summary
Israel have won all three of their UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying Group B games to date and have good reason to believe they can make a breakthrough against Wales.
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Article body
Israel come into 2015 with an unblemished record in UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying Group B and can feel optimistic as they seek a first victory against Wales.
Previous meetings
• Israel are yet to win against Wales in four meetings (D2 L2), though the sides have not locked horns since a 3-3 draw in Ramat Gan on 8 February 1989.
• Their most notable meetings came in a play-off for the 1958 FIFA World Cup finals, with Wales winning both legs 2-0 to earn a place in Sweden – their only World Cup finals campaign to date.
Form guide
• Israel are one of four teams who boast a 100% record in UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying, along with Slovakia, the Czech Republic and England, though they have played only three qualifiers so far.
• Israel are unbeaten in five competitive home games (W2 D3) since a 4-0 loss to Russia on 11 September 2012.
• Wales are unbeaten in six competitive matches (including three away fixtures – W1 D2) since a 3-0 defeat in Serbia on 10 September 2013.
Trivia and links
• Israel have never won four successive games in a single qualifying campaign; their only run of four straight competitive victories to date spanned the end of their 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign and the start of their UEFA EURO 2008 tilt.
• Wales defenders Danny Gabbidon and Ashley Williams are both one cap shy of 50 appearances for their country.
• Israel defender Tal Ben Haim (I) plays alongside Welsh international Simon Church at Charlton Athletic FC.
• In the only meeting between the nations' clubs in UEFA competition, Maccabi Haifa FC beat Cwmbran Town FC 3-0 home and away in the 2003/04 UEFA Cup qualifying round.
