Bolton's Cohen Ready For Greece Test
Bolton midfielder Tamir Cohen says Israel will be going all out to beat Greece when they resume their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign on Saturday night.
The first of two meetings between the sides in the space of four days, Israel lie a point behind the Greeks, who lead Group Two, and Cohen is under no illusions as to the task Dror Kashtan's side face.Speaking to TJ, Cohen said: "Greece are a very good team who have players playing all over Europe, in Italy, Germany and Portugal. We know a lot about their players and will have a lot of respect for them.
"They will be two tough games but our manager wants us to win this game so I think we'll go out with that in mind [in terms of the approach of our play]. We really want to win this game on Saturday in Ramat Gan, and know a lot on next Wednesday's game in Greece will depend on the outcome of the first game."
Well poised to qualify for next summer's tournament in South Africa, Cohen insists the good position they find themselves doesn't mean they'll be under even more pressure going into what will arguably be their biggest game of the campaign. "I don't think we're under any more pressure to perform" he says, "especially when playing at home. There will be 50,000 Israeli fans in the ground and they can produce a very warm atmosphere for us. We haven't lost too many games in front of them in recent times, the fans always provide great support and I hope we can put in another good performance for them on Saturday."
Referring to his side's chances of qualifying from the group, he said: "I think we can qualify from the group. We're in a good position to do so and everyone around the team, players and managing staff believe we can do it and we need a positive attitude going into the games."
And although the 25-year-old hasn't played a competitive minute for Bolton this season due to injury, he insists he's ready and fit should he be called up for the game. "I've been working very hard to get into shape at Bolton and if I get the chance to play for the team, I am fully fit and ready to go."
