The International break has arrived just a short time after the opening of the new season and there will be plenty of Yellow & Blue who will switch over to wearing the Blue & White of Israel along with a number of other players for their respective countries. Who are they and when will they be in action?
Israel National Team
Israel – Italy (05/09/16 Sammy Ofer Stadium)
The Israel National Team will begin the World Cup 2018 campaign with new Head Coach Elisha Levy at the helm as they host Italy on Matchday One of Group 7. Four Maccabi players will be represented including winger Tal Ben Chaim, Eitan Tibi, Eli Dasa and Eyal Golasa.
Israel Under-21
Portugal – Israel (02/09/16 Estádio da Mata Real)
Israel – Liechtenstein (06/09/16 Moshava Stadium)
Marko Balbul’s first test as Head Coach will be a pair of matches, away against Portugal and at home against Liechtenstein in the Under-21 European Championship in Poland 2017. Dor Peretz and Eliel Peretz will be part of the squad along with loaned player Sean Goldberg and Shachar Feibein.
Serbia National Team – Predrag Rajikovic
The young keeper will meet up with his National Team for a match against the Republic of Ireland in Group D of World Cup qualifying at the Red Star Belgrade Stadium, “Rajko Mitić” or also known by its former name the Marakana. There’s no need for Rajiko to do any scouting for Yellow & Blue Head Coach Shota Arveladze as there are no Dundalk players on the Irish squad. Another thing that Maccabi’s keeper can’t do is play against one of Ireland’s most famous strikers Robbie Keane who recently announced his retirement from International play and will participate in his final match coming up against Oman.
Belarus National Team – Egor Filipenka
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s central defender will return back to his birthplace where he’ll play two games, a friendly against Norway on August 31st in Oslo and six days later when his side placed Group A will host the Euro 2016 runner-ups, France.
Bosnia National Team – Haris Medunjanin
Following a successful summer where Medunjanin captained his National Team side and won the Kirin Cup in Japan, Haris will begin his World Cup qualifying campaign by hosting Estonia in Zenica.
Nigeria National Team – Nosa Igiebor
The Super Eagles called up Nosa for their upcoming contest against Tanzania which will be played in Nigeria, however, both sides have no chance of qualifying for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations as Egypt has already qualified from first place while second place Chad withdrew due to financial issues.
Maccabi’s Nigerian midfielder will look to impress Head Coach Gernot Rohr as the team will begin preparations for World Cup qualifying.
