Israel's young team is a very pleasant surprise.
Alon Hazan's team will tonight open the second round of the Euro qualifiers and will host Hungary at the Shlomo Insurance Stadium in Petah Tikva, where it is ranked second in House B with the same points balance as the reigning champion, Germany.
"One of the most notable players on the team is Tel Aviv player Osher Davida, who scored last week against San Marino and is set to lead the Blues-Whites' attack tonight." The only ones who were not surprised by our success are us, "Davida said in a special interview with Israel Today. And adds: "I would not say we knew we would be with four wins in five games, but we believed in ourselves.
We deserve a nose.
But we are only halfway there, and there is still a long way to go. "
What is unique about the team?
"In the previous campaign of the young team there were many players with big names. The house was also much easier than we have now. What sets us apart is that we are a team without ego. We have to see the bench, the ones who do not play, "It happens in a lot of teams and teams. Everyone loves each other. We play football, move the ball, take advantage of our strengths. I hope we continue like this, and do something we haven't done in many years."
When did you start to realize that the Euro dream is achievable?
"After we beat Poland we started to realize we were capable of doing it. There was the game we almost beat Germany and were led until the 88th minute. It strengthened our faith. "After going through half a campaign, we really believe and are sure we will reach the Euros."
The chances of the team qualifying for the Euros increased this time, in light of the good start.
This is because the best runner-up of all the houses will receive the automatic ticket to the European Championship 2023. At this stage, the best runner-up is Italy with 13 points in five games, followed by Israel, Norway and Russia, each with 12 points.
"Our ambition is to go straight to the Euros, not go to the playoffs," says Davida.
"But it's still a long way off, and we're only dealing with Hungary, because what matters is this game."
Can you say you're a favorite in tonight's game?
"We are one level less than them, but in points we are above them. When we played against them we had a very hard time, and they are a good team. The fact that we beat them then at the last second does not guarantee it will happen to us again, but I think at home, certainly if a lot of spectators come We have to win, and I think for sure we can win. "
Davida celebrates goal in derby, Photo: Alan Schieber
The biggest gate in his career
Two weeks ago, Davida (20) scored perhaps the biggest goal of his short career, in a derby against Maccabi Tel Aviv. Davida will have to tell about it another time, but yes we have heard from him about his meteoric success in the last season and a half.
"I always believed I would succeed," says Davida.
"Hapoel Tel Aviv always supported me and gave me all the tools.
In practice, they know how to integrate young people, and they deserve all the respect for that.
Klinger has believed in me and continues to believe in me, and I thank him for that.
Last year we were at the bottom, and I will not talk about the team, but personally I am very pleased with my progress.
This season started well personally, but I have a lot more to show me and everyone. "
What are your strengths, and what do you think needs to be improved?
"My speed is one of the good things. I improved my decision making from last season, after working on it a lot with Salim Touma. I need to improve my weak leg, and I work on it a lot, and with the help of the name I hope it will be like the strong leg. I have There are many more things to improve because I am still young. "
Your next goal is to go out and play in Europe?
"From a young age until now, my dream is Europe. I want to give my best season, give everything I can, and only after I think I gave it my all and succeeded, then maybe I will think about moving forward."