"Look at our players and recognize that in each one of them, the determination that characterized all of us is culminating at this moment. We have won, all of us, even before the opening whistle has been blown"
Oren Hasson, IFA President
Just a few days before we celebrate Passover, the time for renewal is already here - The beginning of the 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign, supporters returning to the stadiums, encouraging signs of routine life coming back in the shadow of the fight against the coronavirus and one Israel National Team that unites so many of us around it.
Habits that up until about a year ago we took for granted, are no longer such - The match itself, arriving at the stadium, the fixed date on the calendars to when the Olympics or the Euros are to take place. There were quite a few moments over the past year that were considered dire and impossible, but now, carefully and resolutely, optimistic colors of azure and white are abound. Look at our players and recognize that in each one of them, the determination that characterized all of us is culminating at this moment. We have won, all of us, even before the opening whistle has been blown.
During the last Nations League campaign, the Israel National Team demonstrated its commitment and strive to win every match, regardless of where it was located or whom it was against. Under the guidance of Willi Ruttensteiner, the team improved in every parameter and the decision to continue to entrust him with the reins is due to the belief that the continued progress and breakthrough of the national team are attainable goals in this current campaign. We will once again face quality opponents and challenges, but we have no intention of lowering expectations. Spring brings along with it growth and renewal and our football is thirsty for both.
Due to the Israeli government decision, the number of supporters in the stands will still be limited. It was clear to us that the lack of fans during the Nations League campaign was as difficult for them as it was for us along with the players. We all hope that for the next home matches many supporters will be able to return and cheer on the team, fill the stands and further strengthen the brave and undisputable connection between the Israel National Team and the citizens of the country it represents.
The Football Association and the Israel National Team also benefit from loyal sponsors, who have time and time again renewed their alliance with the common vision to work on promoting football as well as the sublime social ideas it brings with it. Even during these challenging economic times they remained with us, while new sponsors joined even in these days with quite a few question marks. On behalf of myself and the members of the Israel Football Association Management - Thank you.
I would like to welcome our guests from Denmark and Scotland as we partner together for some exciting evenings of football and of course wish the best of success to our National Team. Another journey begins, while we head towards a better place, with great hope, faith and inspiring football. one team, one dream.
Sincerely yours,
Oren Hasson
president of the Israel Football Association