Israel are atop League B Group 2 with five points from three matches. On Saturday, Israel will host Albania with the ability to improve their chances of progression to League A.
Albania are third in Group 2 with one point from two matches. The Albanians are bottom of the three-team group but could move closer to the top of the table.
סגל נבחרת 🇮🇱 למשחק ליגת האומות נגד אלבניה ומשחק הידידות נגד מלטה⚽#elel_israel #nationsleague pic.twitter.com/Ou2sv8cYJp— ISRAEL FA (@ISRAELFA) September 15, 2022
סגל נבחרת 🇮🇱 למשחק ליגת האומות נגד אלבניה ומשחק הידידות נגד מלטה⚽#elel_israel #nationsleague pic.twitter.com/Ou2sv8cYJp
Group 2 originally had Russia as one of its teams. However, the Russians were thrown out of the competition due to the invasion of Ukraine.
The teams in Group 2 have played an uneven number of matches. Albania have played the fewest fixtures and still have a chance at progression to League A.
Israel claimed a 2-1 win against Albania away from home in June. Albania’s Armando Broja scored in first-half stoppage time. Israel’s Manor Solomon scored twice in the second half to give Israel the come-from-behind win.
The Israelis are on a four-match unbeaten streak. Three of those four fixtures ended as draws. Saturday’s match in Tel Aviv is Israel’s last of the group stage. If Israel lose or draw with Albania, they will hope Iceland or Albania fail to top their points total.
Albania are on a wretched run of form. Edy Reja’s team failed to win in their last five matches in all competitions. Albania’s lone point in the UEFA Nations League came against Iceland.
The teams drew 1-1 in Reykjavik. Jon Dagur Porsteinsson’s 49th-minute goal cancelled out a Taulant Seferi 30th-minute strike for Albania.
After defeating Albania to start the UEFA Nations League, Israel drew 2-2 with Iceland in Reykjavik. Porsteinsson put Iceland into the lead with a ninth-minute goal. Daniel Gretarsson's own goal levelled the match just before halftime.
Porir Helgason put Iceland back into the lead on the hour-mark. Israel once again came from behind as Dor Peretz scored on 65 minutes.
Albania must win to prevent elimination from progressing in the UEFA Nations League. Anything less than a win would see them remain in League B. A win would send Albania into second place with one match to play.
A win for Israel would eliminate Albania and Iceland from winning the group. Anything less than a win would keep the door open for Iceland or Albania to win the group.
Unfortunately for Israel, the door should be left wide open. Israel and Albania should draw at full-time on Saturday in Tel Aviv. Albania should keep the match close and nick a point.