The Israeli dormitory team will open on Friday, in the national pool at the Wingate Institute, its performances in the European Championship qualifiers, with the aim of finishing between the first two places and operating for the first time in its history to the prestigious factory, which will take place this year in Split, Croatia.
The team, under the scepter of coach Tal Grodman, was drawn into a not-so-easy but possible home, along with the Netherlands, Turkey and Ukraine.
The Dutch are clear favorites to finish first, while for second place there will be a triple fight.
Israel will open on Friday (18:30) against the Netherlands and will try to surprise, when on Saturday (18:30) the meeting against Ukraine will take place, and on Sunday it will close its games in the meeting against Turkey (10:30).
Team coach Tal Grodman: "We come with a lot of energy and a desire to do the best we can.
We know there are better teams than us at home but we always come to do the best.
We got a very challenging home but also possible.
The Netherlands is the strongest team at home, to be realistic the Ukrainians and the Turks are the teams we have to deal with and come as prepared as possible. "
On the fact that this will be his first campaign with the team, he added, "The excitement is great.
It is a great honor to lead the team, it represents all the Israeli dominoes. "
Team captain Ido Goldschmidt: "We are in very good shape.
This is one of the best teams I have been a part of.
We did an excellent camp in Greece, believing it could be done this time. '
The team's goalkeeper, Yahav Pierre, added: "Undoubtedly, Turkey and the Netherlands are very strong teams and Ukraine is also very physical.
But we should not be afraid of anyone, we have a chance in front of them all.
"The Netherlands is a favorite to finish in first place and we will try to beat Turkey and Ukraine to finish in second place."
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