Israel and Germany to play soccer friendly to mark 50 years of relations
“It is a great honor and massive challenge to face one of the best teams in the world,” says Israel coach Eli Gutman.
By ALLON SINAIThomas Mueller of the German National team(photo credit: REUTERS)
Israel will host Germany in an international friendly on March 25, 2015 to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations between the countries, the Israel Football Association announced on Sunday.The IFA and DFB agreed on the date of the tie on Saturday after Israel's Minister of Culture and Sports Limor Livnat had come to an initial understanding with German Minister of the Interior Thomas de Maiziere when he was in Israel as part of the German cabinet's visit to the country in February.“The Israeli and German associations cooperate on many matters,” said IFA chairman Avi Luzon. “We have an excellent relationship and I'm sure this match will be a great experience for the Israeli fans.”Israel will play Germany three days before it hosts Wales in the blue-and-white's fifth Euro 2016 qualifier. The national team opens its qualifying campaign against Belgium at Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem on September 9.“It is a great honor and massive challenge to face one of the best teams in the world,” said Israel coach Eli Gutman. “I'm sure that everyone who comes to the match will enjoy some quality play.”Germany faces Algeria in the last 16 of the World Cup on Monday.“The match between the two teams is significant evidence of the excellent relations between both associations and both countries,” said president of the German Football Association, Wolfgang Niersbach.
