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2 unusual facts about Israel national football team


1953–54 Israel State Cup

Both teams requested the postponement as they had major players injured after the Israel's 1954 FIFA World Cup qualification matches at Greece and Yugoslavia.

1964 in Israel

The finals were held in Israel from 26 May to 9 June 1964 and the Israeli national football team won the title with a perfect record of three wins, defeating the teams of South Korea, Hong Kong and India.


Abbas Suan

On August 29, 2005 Suan was featured in an exposé in Sports Illustrated by Grant Wahl into the minorities that play on the Israel national football team.

David Rodrigo

In September 2006 Rodrigo drew the ire of many when he reportedly told Israel captain Yossi Benayoun that Israel was a "nation of killers" and threatened to have Benayoun's legs broken.

Gene Tober

Tober’s first game with the national team was in a 4-0 loss to Israel on September 25, 1968 when he came on for Adolph Bachmeier.

Israel national football team records

Records in this section refer to Eretz Israel football team from its first official game in 1934 to 1948 and to the Israel national football team since Israel Declaration of Independence in 1948.

Portugal Olympic football team

Portugal was to play in Subgroup A of Group Four with Israel and West Germany for a place in the second qualifying round.


see also