Maccabi Tel Aviv continued their run of good form on Sunday and extended the run to 7 league victories after beating Maccabi Netanya 2-1 to record their 7th successive win in all competitions. Goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera played a key role in winning the three points as he made a crucial penalty say to deny Netanya’s Eitan Azulay from scoring a penalty when the score was still at 1-1.
Shortly after the game, Mosquera shared his feelings as well as revealed what it has been like since joining Maccabi in the summer.
“When I first joined Maccabi I knew it was a big club and came here to play my part” he said, “This is what I have been trying to do in every match. I came here to contribute to the team reaching its targets.”
The 28-year-old keeper who made his second league appearance and sixth in all competitions, reflected: “Normally, when you join a new club the first few days are a little hard. I managed to get back in the team as the healthy competition I have for my place with the other keepers is good for me. It helps me be ready for matches and keeps me focused.”
The Panamanian international who made his mark by saving the penalty added: “I have been delighted to be here right from the start as this is a big club. I really hope to achieve very big goals here. Saving the penalty was a pure instinct, I didn’t know the player, so it was just an instinct I managed to save the spot kick.”
On life in Israel under the climate, Mosquera added: “It isn’t easy because the family is a little concerned but at moments like this, when you play football and win matches helps you forget a bit about what goes on outside of football. This is something both for us and the fans. Giving them the opportunity to think of other things the war is extremely important”.
With the game being held behind closed doors, Mosquera and his teammates when to acknowledge the fans who were supporting them during the match from outside the stadium. “I am happy for the fans as they always support us, so they deserve it. Winning game after game is obviously for them, so we’d want to win the championship for us but for them of course”.
