Israel coach Avraham Grant is confident his side can give a good account of themselves as they prepare to face France in Paris on Saturday.
Although a new look French side may not seem like the force they once were, Grant knows that his fresh faced squad will be up against some of the best players in world football.
“In France they have 15 talented players for each position, but here we have to use a magnifying glass just to find one.” he conceded.
He is however, convinced that his side have the capability to shock the 1998 World champions.
“I’d love to start his campaign on a positive note,” he told reporters at the squad’s training ground on the outskirts of Tel Aviv.
“We are not going there with our hands up.”
After taking on France, Israel will be confident of securing three points in a week’s time against Cyprus, in what will be their first competitive international on home turf in almost three years.
Security concerns have led to Israel playing at neutral venues in the intervening period, including a “home” tie against France in the Italian city of Parma.
