Tiktukno, 15.3/Sport1
Six days to the decisive game against the Israeli national team in the semi-finals of the Nations League playoffs, in Iceland they no longer want to talk politics, and focus on football.
Coach Oga Hareida, who caused a stir after he encouraged a call to boycott Israeli sports against the backdrop of the Gaza war, sounded completely different last night (Friday).
"I am a person who strives for peace in all countries. The situation in Gaza is very uncomfortable for anyone, and I do not agree with any side in this conflict. If I were required to play in Israel, I would not mind doing it," said Hareida in a conversation with Icelandic journalists.
"One thing is clear to me - we are going to play against footballers, not against soldiers, so we will have to show sportsmanship."
At the beginning of the month, as mentioned, the raid sounded completely different.
"I don't want to play against Israel, but we are forced to do it. For me, we should not play against a team that represents a country that does terrible and terrible things to women, children and innocent citizens. On the other hand, if we refuse to play, UEFA may impose sanctions on us, And I don't want us to risk punishment," he said, and was also criticized by former national team coach Abraham Grant, who called him "ignorant" and "hypocrite."
"I saw what Iceland's coach said.
I don't know him personally, but it saddens me that he is mixing sports with matters he understands nothing about," said Grant. "First of all, I want to make it clear that I am against harming innocent citizens and that it saddens me.
But you must remember that it all started with the massacre of Hamas operatives on October 7."
Iceland national team coach Oga Hareida/GettyImages, Octavio Passos
Hareida also referred to the professional aspect last night and claimed that the match would be fair.
"In my opinion there is no favorite and the chances are 50/50. We will have to find their weak points, their weaknesses. Things will have to come together for us to win. With the Icelandic heart and character, we believe we have good chances."
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Israel national football team
Iceland national team