Blue-and-white National Team needs accountability, not more excuses, after last loss - analysis

The Israeli national football team's 3-0 loss to Ireland this week was more than just a disappointing result. It exposed serious issues concerning the team's direction, player preparation, and accountability of head coach Ran Ben Shimon and the Israel Football Association (IFA). Ben Shimon should have resigned immediately after the defeat; if he refused, IFA chairman Shino Zuaretz should have made that decision for him. Accountability has to mean something.

Despite knowing the importance of the match, Israel's players appeared unprepared and delivered a disgraceful performance. Ben Shimon himself admitted, "We started the game embarrassingly. It was an embarrassment." Captain Eli Dasa, a veteran player, described the match as "the most painful game" and accepted full responsibility for the team's lack of performance. Manor Solomon echoed the sentiment, stating that the players needed to "look at ourselves, each and every one of us, in the mirror."

While the players bear significant responsibility, the coaching staff must also answer for the team's consistent struggles. Israel has scored only one goal in 180 minutes of Nations League action, raising questions about the team's creativity, organization, and ability to execute under pressure. Arguably, Israel's best player, Dor Peretz, should not have been left on the bench.

The issue goes beyond a single loss. With no meaningful improvement in recent performances, Israel faces the potential of finishing last in the group. The coaching staff, not just the players, must accept responsibility, and accountability must become a priority. If Ben Shimon does not resign, the IFA must make that decision. It's time for accountability to stop being a familiar problem in Israeli football.