Israel wary of French backlash

ISRAEL are fearful of a frustrated French side who still have not managed to find their goal-scoring touch when the two teams meet in their World Cup European Group Four qualifier tonight.

France, Ireland and Israel are all locked on nine points from five matches and while Israel managed a 1-1 draw with Ireland in Tel Aviv on Saturday, the French drew 0-0 with Switzerland in Paris - their fourth successive home goalless draw.

The French have only beaten the Faroe Islands and Cyprus so far, in a group in which none of the three leading teams have yet lost to any of their rivals.

"The French are playing well but are unable to score, I am really worried that they will take out their frustrations against us," said former Mordechai Spiegler, who captained Israel in their only World Cup appearance in 1970 and watched them play the Swiss in Paris as a scout for Israel coach Avraham Grant.

France arrived in Israel on Monday wary of the task ahead, especially as striker Thierry Henry is still doubtful with a calf injury. Coach Raymond Domenech will wait until the last possible moment before announcing his team as the Arsenal man's partnership with David Trezeguet could prove vital.

France desperately need to win to keep their qualifying hopes alive.

"This is a do-or-die game," said Trezeguet. "Israel are in the same situation as we are but they are playing at home so they will have to dictate the game. It will give us some more room."

Grant meanwhile, is remaining realistic about Israel's prospects.

"We know where we stand. We know we cannot be compared to France," he told French daily l'Equipe.

"In soccer, the psychological dimension is very important. My players have to become winners.

"The gap between average soccer nations and great teams has been reduced, as proved Greece during Euro 2004.

"Yossi Benayoun can win a game on his own. But let's not exaggerate things. We are not the French team.

"France are much better than us. And we want to proceed step by step. Beating them would fulfil any kid's dream."

Israel have been hampered by suspensions and injury and Grant has been forced to call in at least one replacement to his squad in the shape of Maccabi Tel Aviv defender Avi Strool.

Star playmaker Benayoun is also a doubtful starter after picking up a knock from Roy Keane in Saturday's clash with Ireland while central defender Tal Ben Haim has a thigh strain.

Israel will miss defender Arik Benado, midfielder Abbas Suan, who scored the last-minute equaliser against Ireland and striker Omer Golan after they each picked up their second yellow cards.

Another packed house of some 44,000 spectators is expected for the match, although this time they will almost all be Israeli supporters.

The Republic of Ireland brought some 4,000 travelling supporters to Tel Aviv for their match.

Probable teams:

ISRAEL: D Awate; K Saban, Tal Ben Haim, S Gershon, A Keisi; I Tal, W Badir, A Nimni, Y Benayoun; Y Katan, P Balili

FRANCE: F Barthez; W Sagnol, J Boumsong, G Givet, W Gallas; P Vieira, B Pedretti, V Dhorasoo, L Giuly; D Trezeguet, T Henry.

Referee: Markus Merk (Germany).