The Israeli team will host Moldova tonight (Tuesday, 21:45) at Toto Turner Stadium.
Only three days have passed since the loss to Scotland, and the goals in the team have changed - a third place will satisfy the heads of the association in light of the situation created at home.
It is important to note that next month Israel will play a tough away game in Austria towards the end of the campaign.
"In Israel it's either illegal immigration or nothing, but I don't see it that way," explained coach Willy Rotensteiner.
Rotensteiner's feelings reflect well what is going on between him and the players in the locker room.
In conversations between him and them, the players, including striker Eran Zehavi, promised him, "to do everything to finish in the highest possible place and finish the campaign impressively."
Willie Rotensteiner.
Repeat script in Glasgow, Photo: Getty Images
Zehavi and the rest of his teammates, who publicly support the continuation of the Austrian as a coach, know that victories in the remaining games (Moldova, Austria and the Faroe Islands) may bring the selection committee to accept their position.
"This is not an easy situation for me, and I know what is happening around the team. My job is to concentrate on the game against Moldova."
On the support from the locker room, the coach said: "It flatters me a lot, but the association will make the decisions. I will present the process that Israeli football has gone through, and they will decide if it is appropriate."
It is important to note that in light of the winds within the team, even senior members of the association who were in favor of ending Rotensteiner's work will wait to see how the campaign will end.
Eran Zehavi.
Will pass the motel ?, Photo: AP
"Third place is probably not a failure in a campaign with Denmark, Scotland and Austria in the same house," said a source, "but we need to think about what is good for the Israeli team, and not for one player or another."
Rotensteiner is not expected to make any changes to the 11 that have opened in Scotland.
Brakeman Hatem 'Abd al-Hamid was scheduled to play, but was released following a swelling in his knee.
Iyad Abu Abid will continue in the center of defense, alongside Nir Bitton and Ofri Arad.