Israeli national team players celebrate qualifying for the quarterfinals of the World Cup (Photo: Israel Football Association Instagram page)
After recovering from the 1-4 victory over Tunisia, the Brazil under-20 team began preparations for its game against Israel (Saturday, 20:30, Kan 11) in the quarterfinals of the World Cup. Coach Ramon Menezes' preparation for the game is far from ideal, and it is believed in Brazil that he will be forced to improvise in the defensive squad due to a blow of deficiencies at the back.
Defender Robert Renan and right-back Arthur, who started most of the games, are suspended but are not alone. In Brazil, it was reported tonight that goalkeeper Mikael, who started some of the games in the tournament and was absent from the final eight due to injury, is not expected to be available for the coach against Israel. He was joined by another injured player, starting left back Kaiki Bruno, who is a major doubt for the game and is expected to undergo a fitness test near the start.
The key man? Tomer Sarfati (Photo: Reuters)
Despite the shortcomings, Brazil is very confident and unafraid of the challenge it faces. In an interview with Brazilian media, Giovanni said: "The game against Israel will be very difficult, because at this stage every game is like a final. But I'm sure if we follow the coach's guidelines about our opponent, we'll go up. If we go into the game focused, I don't believe we'll lose."
The Brazilian media made a brief introduction to the Israeli team, and paid special attention to goalkeeper Tomer Sarfati. "Sarfati is the Israeli team's best player so far in the tournament. He made some great saves that helped Israel reach the quarter-finals, but now he will meet attacking players of another level."
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- Youth team