This is an Eran Zahavi match worn shirt from the Israel vs. Scotland Uefa Nations League match played on November 20th, 2018. I had the amazing privilege of going to Scotland for this match. Israel unfortunately lost 3-2 and finished in 2nd place in the group, missing out on promotion to League B, and qualification to the League C Nations League playoffs. They started the match really well taking the lead in the 9th minute from a Beram Kayal curler from outside the box. This wasn't enough however, as James Forrest tore through the Israeli defense scoring a hat-trick (in the 34th, 43rd, and 64th minutes). Eran Zahavi was able to bring Israel back into the game with a 75th minute goal but Israel again wasn't able to capitalize after Hemed's 88th min shot was saved by Alan McGregor.
Although the loss was extremely disappointing, my trip to Glasgow had been incredible. I was fortunate enough to stay at the same hotel as the team. The night before the match I had the opportunity to meet some of the players when they arrived back to the hotel after practicing at Hamden Park. In the two minutes I had with them (before they were escorted upstairs), I was able to get Bibras Natcho to sign one of my Kazan shirts that I had brought with me and also had the chance to take pictures with Almog Cohen and Dor Peretz. this was the only match out of the four Nations League matches that Israel played with the white kit (only match played in white kit with the Nations League patches). I was one of 5 fans inside the stadium to get a shirt from one of the players as Bibras Natcho handed me his shirt after the final whistle. Almog Cohen, Sheran Yeini, Dor Micha, and Taleb Tawatha also gave their shirts away to other Israeli fans.
Eran Zahavi celebrating after his goal
Eran Zahavi dribbling past Callum Peterson
Eran Zahavi focused before the match
Comments
Post a Comment