Just three days before the EPL season kicks off in August, the Israeli national team will travel to Belfast to take on Northern Ireland in an international friendly match with quite the intriguing back story.
Right or wrong, and sharing political parallels or not – these two countries have often been linked from a historical perspective – in scholarly journals, national security / terrorism articles, and conflict resolution analyses over the last few decades.
But even though it’s Independence Day in the US, let’s put peace building, conflict resolution, and politics aside – and focus on a footie match – one in which Northern Ireland are favored to win.
The match will be a great appetizer for the EPL season – especially for fantasy Premier League managers looking to scout out some cheap talent – as no less than 5 or 6 players will be suiting up in the EPL this season. Northern Ireland feature Damien Johnson and David Healey (and star Chris Brunt – who will not be a fantasy factor this year as he has dropped down to the Coca Cola Championship with WBA) whilst fellow international lightweights Israel feature the bigger names in Yossi Benayoun, Tal Ben Haim, and Bolton’s Tamir Cohen.
Both countries are enjoying a bit of a “renaissance” now with Northern Ireland in strong position to reach the 2010 World Cup through at least the playoffs round, while Israel is ranked 25th in the world despite a stuttering qualifying campaign. Good stuff.
Putting politics aside, this should be a fun watch as the two nations look to build upon recent successes and momentum.
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- Game, Set, Match
