Israel National Team

Palestine played its first official game in 1934 in the world cup qualifiers losing 1-7 nto Egypt. The team's first goal ever was scored by Avraham Nudelman. Upon creation of the State of Israel in 1948, IFA became the official association of the new state. The Israel national team's first game as an independent state was on September 26, 1948, against the USA (result: 1-3 to the USA). In 1964 Israel hosted the Asian Nations Cup and won 2-1 against South Korea. In 1968 Israel went to their first Olympic Games and lost to Bulgaria in the quarter-finals. In 1970 Israel qualified for their first and only World Cup, but only got two points after draws with Sweden and finalist Italy and a loss to Uruguay. In 1976, Israel went to their second Olympic Games and lost in the quarter-finals again, this time against Brazil. In 1989, Israel made it to the playoffs of WC Italy 1990 from the top of the Oceania group, to play against Colombia who qualified from the South American group, but lost (1-0, 0-0). In 1999, Israel made it to the playoffs of Euro 2000, but was beaten by Denmark. Because of isolation by many of its Middle Eastern neighbors, the Israel Football Association was not affiliated with any confederation between 1974 and 1994. Since 1991 Israeli clubs have been participating in European competitions and they received full UEFA membership in 1994. In 2006 World Cup qualifying, Israel finished third in European zone Group Four behind France and Switzerland despite being unbeaten in their 10 matches after four wins and six draws, and failed to qualify for the finals. Coach Avraham Grant announced his resignation on 26 October 2005. After the end of his contract he was succeeded by Dror Kashtan. The continued presence of the Israeli Football Association in UEFA was a precedent cited by Australia to justify its transfer from Oceania to the Asian Football Federation.World Cup 06 campaignHatikvah