Set your calendars for November 17, 2024, as Israel and Belgium prepare to face off in the UEFA Nations League at the atmospheric Sammy Ofer Stadium, which can host a lively crowd of 30,780. Under Ran Ben Shimon’s leadership, Israel is yet to secure any points in this competition. Contrastingly, the Belgian team, guided by Domenico Tedesco, is positioned in third place with four points. Belgium will miss key players, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, due to scheduling constraints. Their previous encounter was settled in a 3-1 win for Belgium on September 6, verifying the visitors’ favorite status. Heightened security measures are anticipated due to recent geopolitical tensions involving Israel, adding yet another layer of complexity to this match. The forecast predicts a mild evening of 22.34°C with light rain, which could affect the match’s dynamics on a slippery field.
Israel vs Belgium Prediction & Betting Tip
Recommended Bet Table:
| Market | Recommended Bet |
|---|---|
| Asian Handicap | Belgium -1.50 (AH) |
Belgium is expected to emerge victorious in this match, using their depth and strategic brilliance to full effect. Although they face challenges with important players sidelined, Belgium’s roster remains strong enough to deliver an imposing performance against Israel, who have been struggling in the group stage. Belgium’s remaining star players, even without De Bruyne and Lukaku, are likely to significantly influence the game and tilt the balance in their favor.
Israel vs Belgium Odds
Odds Table:
| Outcome | Odds |
|---|---|
| Home Win | 8.65 |
| Draw | 5.50 |
| Away Win | 1.30 |
The odds favor a Belgian victory at 1.30, reflecting their strong form compared to Israel’s recent struggles. The prospect of an Israeli win is rated highly at 8.65, illustrating their difficulties against stronger foes. A draw, at 5.50, seems unlikely according to betting markets. Moreover, there’s a fair expectation for both teams to find the net, evidenced by bookmakers offering “Yes” for both teams to score at 1.76.
Israel Team Analysis
Israel Recent Performance
Israel’s journey in the UEFA Nations League has been rife with obstacles, which their placement at the bottom of the group without a point from four matches highlights. Their games are characterized by major defensive issues, having let in 13 goals in those matches. Heavy losses to powerhouses like Italy and France underscore their current struggles, though their occasional scoring offers a glimmer of hope.
Recent Matches Table:
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Israel | France | 0-2 |
| Italy | Israel | 3-1 |
| Israel | Cyprus | 2-1 |
| France | Israel | 4-0 |
| Israel | Italy | 2-4 |
Playing at home, Israel’s defense has been shaky, yet they manage to score in most games, largely due to players like Oscar Gloukh. Blending domestic and international talents, their squad hopes to make the most of the home-ground edge against Belgium’s daunting challenge.
Israel Key Players
Oscar Gloukh stands out as Israel’s pivotal player, orchestrating the midfield with a market value of €25.00m. His stint with Red Bull Salzburg has sharpened his skills, marking him as essential to Israel’s attacking strategy. Mohammad Abu Fani, having scored twice, is another crucial figure in their offensive lineup. Key defensive roles fall on Eli Dasa, whose experience lends stability against Belgium’s attacks. Midfield engines Gabi Kanichowsky and Dor Peretz are instrumental in defensive and offensive transitions.
Israel Suspensions & Injuries
Injuries have compounded Israel’s campaign issues, with players like Doron Leidner out due to a hamstring injury, expected back by late November 2024. Omri Glazer is another notable absence with a knock but is aiming for the same return period. These absences necessitate strategy shifts, inviting newer talents to assume pivotal roles. Tactical changes may be vital, especially if these players return in time for significant fixtures beyond the Belgium match.
Injuries & Suspensions Table:
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Doron Leidner | Hamstring | Late November 2024 |
| Omri Glazer | Knock | Late November 2024 |
Israel Tactics and Formation
Ran Ben Shimon is likely to opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with an emphasis on tight defensive teamwork and using wings like Liel Abada. They’re expected to play fast transitions, relying on Oscar Gloukh for creativity in the attacking third. A compact midfield is essential to disrupt Belgium’s usually fluid progression. Counter-attacks will be crucial for Israel, leveraging speedy forwards and exploiting set-piece chances with precise deliveries. Maintaining strict defensive discipline is crucial against Belgium’s versatile attack.
Belgium Team Analysis
Belgium Recent Performance
Belgium’s showing in the Nations League illustrates both resilience and areas needing refinement. Positioned in a respectable third, their sole win was tightly contested against Portugal, alongside a draw with the Netherlands. These results underscore their attacking prowess and occasional defensive flaws, necessitating additional strategic tweaks as they conclude this year’s competition amidst relegation worries.
Recent Matches Table:
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | Portugal | 2-1 |
| Netherlands | Belgium | 1-1 |
| Italy | Belgium | 3-2 |
| Belgium | France | 0-1 |
| Belgium | Israel | 3-1 |
Belgium’s tactical steadiness under Tedesco is notable, with their strategic flexibility across lineups underscoring the depth of their squad. Despite missing De Bruyne and Lukaku, players like Loïs Openda sustain Belgium’s attacking threat.
Belgium Key Players
Even with Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku absent, Belgium’s offensive line remains potent with Loïs Openda, the RB Leipzig forward, who brings pace and goal-scoring ability. Jeremy Doku’s agility offers both creative flair and defensive relief, making him another key player in Tedesco’s plan. In the midfield, Youri Tielemans and Charles De Ketelaere are tasked with controlling the game and bridging defense and attack. At the back, Timothy Castagne ensures solidity, while Koen Casteels leads from the goal.
Belgium Suspensions & Injuries
Belgium faces lineup challenges with several players injured. The most notable is Arnaud Bodart, doubtful with a knock, and Jan Vertonghen, who is nursing an Achilles injury. Positive news comes with Alexis Saelemaekers returning from an ankle issue, offering a balance to the absence of others like Julien Duranville and Aster Vranckx who are on longer recovery paths.
Injuries & Suspensions Table:
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Arnaud Bodart | Knock | Late November 2024 |
| Jan Vertonghen | Achilles | Mid December 2024 |
| Alexis Saelemaekers | Ankle | Available |
| Julien Duranville | Thigh | Late November 2024 |
| Aster Vranckx | Hamstring | Mid January 2025 |
| Koni De Winter | Muscle | Late November 2024 |
| Thibaut Courtois | Doubtful | Day-to-Day |
Belgium Tactics and Formation
Belgium may employ a 3-4-3 or 4-3-3 formation, depending on player availability and Tedesco’s strategic outlook. Defensive robustness and quick counters will be key, exploiting the speed of Doku and Openda. The wide areas will be critical in breaking down Israel’s defenses, creating overlaps for crosses into the box. Midfielders are expected to balance possession and the transition to attack. Defensively, adapting to Israel’s set-piece threats is crucial to keeping their competitive advantage.
Israel vs Belgium Head-to-Head Statistics
Head-to-Head Table:
| Date | Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06-09-2024 | Belgium | Israel | 3-1 |
| 31-03-2015 | Israel | Belgium | 0-1 |
Belgium has maintained dominance in recent encounters, winning their last three matchups, including a decisive 3-1 victory in September 2024. Historically, Belgium has shown a tactical upper hand, underscored by their strong performances and disciplined defense.
Venue and Weather
The Sammy Ofer Stadium, capable of hosting about 30,780 fans, will be full of energy for this UEFA Nations League match. Nestled in Haifa, it promises an exciting atmosphere. Weather predictions suggest a mild evening, tilted at around 22.34°C with light rain, making for a quicker pitch favoring teams with technical prowess like Belgium.
Wind speeds of approximately 4.88 m/s aren’t forecasted to impact play significantly. Given conditions that bode well for dynamic football, both teams should brace for swift ball movements and tactical shifts on the slick surface. Players are likely to appreciate the pleasant temperatures, enhancing their strategies and sustaining high energy throughout the game.
