Israel and Lithuania played to a goalless draw in a friendly match that took place in Kaunus ahead of the blue-and-white’s final 2026 World Cup qualifier against Moldova on Sunday. Chances by both teams were at a premium as no fans were present for the clash that was held at the Dariaus ir Girėno stadionas.

Ran Ben Shimon spoke about the draw, “We’ll try to look better against Moldova; today was a bit of a trench battle. In these kinds of games, you need to make sure you don’t concede on a counterattack and lose and that when you get your chances you take them. It was a tough game and I could feel how hard it was for the players.

“We all want to see better football, no doubt. What I take from today is that we didn’t concede a goal. There was a lot of effort, less quality. We’ll go with the players to Moldova to win the official match. There was energy; I didn’t feel a lack of commitment, just a lack of quality. We want to win every game, but in matches like these, the result is less important. We’ll look better against Moldova.”

The bench boss also spoke about the players who hadn’t played much in qualifying but had time on the pitch in this match, “Overall, they did some good things. Sometimes it’s hard, especially in a game like this when it’s not easy to move the ball, so it’s difficult to see outstanding quality. Everyone tried. Every player has his own way with the coach, we’ll correct things with everyone and move forward. The most important thing in national team camps is making the quick switch (mentally).”

The Israel keeper Omri Glazer who recorded a clean sheet discussed the contest that was, “Honestly, it was a tough game. The opponent came out aggressive and the pitch wasn’t great, plus, no crowd. We came committed and that’s the most important thing, but it was also an opportunity for other players to get minutes. Personally, like every footballer, I have difficulties at my club and I work hard every day. With the national team, I do my best and I’m happy I kept a clean sheet. We want to win against Moldova.”

The shot stopper also spoke about the lack of playing time he is experiencing at Red Star Belgrade, “For now, it doesn’t affect me. I work hard and I’m an experienced goalkeeper. I’m happy I can show that with the national team. Maccabi Tel Aviv? It’s still too early to know. In January, God will decide and I’ll look for the right place for me. Would I like to return to Israel? I prefer not to comment on that.”

Gaby Kanichowsky reflected on the draw, “It was a very intense and difficult match without fans; the opponent defended really well. We wanted to finish on a good note, but it was a bit tough today. We’ll need more quality in our finishing against Moldova to come in sharper and hungrier. As an athlete and especially when you wear the national team jersey, the energy has to come naturally. I think we came today with energy and passion; it just didn’t work out, but I’m sure it will be better against Moldova.”