Coaches raise Israeli standard

Thursday, 15 February 2007
by Ofer Ronen-Abels
from Tel-Aviv
On a good night for Israeli football, both Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC coach Nir Levin and Maccabi Haifa FC counterpart Roni Levy had reasons to be cheerful.

'Fragile result'
Levin only took the reins ten days ago and his European bow was Wednesday's 2-1 home victory against Rangers FC in the UEFA Cup Round of 32. "It's a highly respectable home result but a very fragile one if you consider the return leg at Ibrox," he said. "The game in Glasgow will be a completely different story. We've proved we can perform on the European stage but we have a serious challenge in store. There were a few spells when we didn't play well and Rangers had a few chances and a potentially perfect night was spoiled by the goal we conceded which could prove vital over the two legs."

Fans praised
That strike came from Nacho Novo in the 53rd minute, ten minutes after Salim Toema had opened the scoring for Hapoel with a stunning free-kick. "I knew as soon as I hit it that the ball was heading into the top corner," he said. "But the goal is nothing in comparison to our fans who pushed us all the way and deserve just as much credit as any of the players." Barukh Dego then settled the first leg in the 76th minute, saying of his winner: "I've waited a long time for this goal and was very excited when I scored. We know that matches in Europe are a matter of life or death and I'm happy we still have a chance ahead of the return leg."

'Mighty proud'
In Russia, Maccabi Haifa coach Levy was proud that his side had held PFC CSKA Moscow to a goalless draw in Vladikavkaz, although he confessed to mixed feelings after the stalemate. "My players deserve all the credit and I am mighty proud of them on a professional and personal level," said Levy. "I am delighted we have brought the deciding match back to Israel, but on the other I am disappointed as we were worth at least a couple of goals on the night."

'Tough to beat'
Midfielder Gustavo Boccoli ventured that it had been a resilient all-round performance but also urged caution ahead of next Thursday's return: "We had a good game in every department. We have taken a large step towards our goal, but it is still only one step. Our players proved that once the going gets tough, we are a very difficult side to beat."

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