Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv will face Hapoel Tel Aviv in a Round of 16 matchup in the Under-19 State Cup on Tuesday at 15:00. The Yellow & Blue will visit Wolfson for this knockout Derby contest as the team held their final training session this evening under the direction of head coach Guy Tzarfati.

Tzarfati: “This match has a number of interesting factors associated with it. The first thing is that it’s an away match, the second it’s a Derby and the third it’s a knockout State Cup clash which are always difficult as we will have just one chance to advance to the next stage.”

Derby:
“Derby matches are always tough battles and our opponent is a quality one with national team players. We have a difficult match in front of us.”

Motivation:
“We don’t have to take about being motivated for a match like this and the players who have grown up through the Maccabi ranks know exactly what type of energy is needed when you get to play a Derby. We have to be cool, calm and collected while bringing our best effort to the pitch. I believe we will be able to do that and advance to the next stage.”

The Under-19 squad entered the State Cup competition last round against Maccabi Petah Tikva who took a 1:0 lead in the 61’ thanks to a penalty. Playing with only ten men, Maccabi was able to draw even five minutes later as Ido Shahar scored for the Yellow & Blue and eventually won via penalty shootout 4:1.