Euro 2024 Qualifier Playoffs - Israel vs Iceland - A Mercurial Clash Sees Isreal Lock Horns With Iceland

Both teams were drawn in the same group of the UEFA Nations League and their encounter in the group stage ended in a deadlock. Israel were the better side overall and finished in first place, while Iceland settled for second. 

Iceland have qualified just once for a Euro competition in 2016, where they had a dream run until the quarterfinals. They remained unbeaten in the group stage, finished second and made it to the knockouts, where they shocked England 2-1 to advance to the last eight. Though it is a completely different squad now, Iceland will definitely look to emulate the feat. 

Iceland also head into this encounter having won three of their last five games, as compared to their next opponents, who have won just two of five. Both teams have lost twice in the last five. 

Israel are still looking for their first-ever appearance in the main draw of a UEFA Euro tournament, and their head-to-head record against Iceland may bolster their spirits to move a step closer to the goal. Israel hold a 2-3-0 unbeaten record against next opponents, having won twice and drawn thrice in the past five encounters.

Isreal have won four, lost three and drawn three in their ten games of the Euro 2024 qualifying schedule. They have conceded more than one goal in just one of these ten matches. Iceland, meanwhile, have struggled to get decent results and have won three, drawn one, and lost six of their last ten matches. 

Iceland will fancy their chances as the match will be played in Hungary despite Israel being the “home” side and Iceland won’t have to face a hostile home crowd. However, with the likes of veteran Eran Zahavi, Salzburg’s Oscar Gloukh, and Liel Abada on their side, Israel are the definite favourite to advance to the playoff final.