Maccabi 'Shachar' Tel Aviv played their first match of the Ramljak Tournament in Croatia yesterday where they drew 0-0 against the hosts, Dinamo Zagreb. The physical and intense game was played at a very high level by both clubs and finished without any goals.
Today, Maccabi plays Cagliari from Italy and will finish the group stages facing Olympiakos of Greece. The squad which includes players born in 1997-98 also features Almog Eylon who is born in 1999.
Maccabi Tel Aviv Youth Department Director, Nir Levin who is in Croatia said, "We are playing in one of the best tournaments with some of the top teams. The organization and professionalism surrounding this competition is second to none both on and off of the pitch. We finished the first match in a scoreless draw against a side that has won this event 19 out of 20 times and a team that provides most of the players for Croatia's Under-19 team.
The weather here is hot just like at home and the matches are being played right next to Dinamo Zagreb's Stadium 'Maksimir' where Maccabi Tel Aviv drew 2:2 under my direction back in UEFA CUP back in 2001."
Coach Ziv Arie took over coaching this crop of players two weeks ago as they moved up from the Under-17's Maccabi 'Oded' Tel Aviv. The competition will give the team international experience in preparation for the UEFA Champions League Youth Tournament this coming season.
