The Estonian women’s national team kicked off the new Nations League season with a challenging match in Hungary, suffering a 1:3 defeat to Israel in their opening game.
Estonia is placed in Group C alongside Bulgaria and Israel, both of whom are ranked higher than the Estonians in the FIFA rankings. The first match in the group saw Israel secure a 3-1 victory over Bulgaria, coming back from an initial 0-1 deficit.
Prior to facing Israel, Estonia competed against Puerto Rico in Turkey last week in a friendly match and lost that match 0-1.
Historically, Estonia and Israel have met 11 times, with Israel winning every encounter. Their most recent clashes took place in the 2023 Nations League, where Israel dominated with victories of 5:0 and 4:1.
In the match against Israel, Estonian WNT manager Aleksandra Ševoldaeva fielded a team with six players from domestic clubs, including five from Tallinn FC Flora and JK Tabasalu, complemented by two players from the Austrian and Hungarian leagues, and one from Denmark.
Estonia managed to keep a scoreless game until the 35th minute when Israel, coming in as overwhelming favorites, executed a well-crafted set-piece. Eden Avital delivered a sharp pass to the penalty spot, allowing Noa Selimhodzic to net the opening goal effortlessly, making it 1:0.
Just over two minutes into the second half, Israel struck again with a set piece. A corner kick was taken, and Elianna Beard unleashed a long-range shot from outside the penalty area. Although goalkeeper Katarina Elisabeth Käpa got a hand to the ball, she couldn’t fully stop it, leading to Israel’s second goal.
Estonia found a glimmer of hope in the 78th minute when they beautifully combined play in midfield. Katrin Kirpu delivered an excellent cross from the left wing, which the opposing goalkeeper, Fortuna Rubin, mishandled, allowing the ball to slip through her fingers and into the net, narrowing the score to 1:2.
However, just moments later, Israel extinguished Estonia’s hopes. Kelly Rosen misjudged the trajectory of a free kick sent into the penalty area, allowing Irena Kuznezov to capitalize with a swift one-touch shot, sealing the score at 3:1.
Estonia’s next match in the Nations League is set for April 4, where they will host Bulgaria. Meanwhile, Israel will continue their campaign, having already defeated Bulgaria 3:1 in their opening match on Friday.
Estonian WNT Squad for this international break.
Goalkeeper
1 Victoria Vihman (05.08.2004) – Tallinna FC Flora 2/0
12 Katarina Elisabeth Käpa (16.03.2006) – Tallinna FC Flora 1/0
13 Liisa Liimets (04.04.2006) – Viimsi JK 1/0
Defender
15 Inna Kiss-Zlidnis (18.04.1990) – Budafoki LC (HUN) 102/0
16 Kelly Rosen (23.11.1995) – Tallinna FC Flora 88/1
3 Siret Räämet (31.12.1999) – LASK (AUT) 49/0
5 Rahel Repkin (17.06.1998) – IFK Värnamo (SWE) 19/0
11 Anette Salei (28.09.2005) – JK Tabasalu 13/2
21 Eva-Maria Niit (05.02.2002) – klubita 13/0
Midfielder
7 Liisa Merisalu (15.01.2002) – FC Thy-Thisted (DEN) 41/3
10 Jaanika Volkov (20.02.2005) – LASK (AUT) 22/0
9 Katrin Kirpu (09.10.2004) – Aland United (FIN) 17/1
4 Liselle Palts (02.12.2005) – Tallinna FC Flora 3/0
8 Helina Tarkmeel (20.09.2005) – Tallinna FC Flora 2/0
18 Lisandra Rannasto (13.01.2004) – Saku Sporting 2/0
17 Valeria Liik (19.05.2003) – Tallinna FC Flora 1/0
20 Loviise Männiste (24.02.2008) – FC Elva 1/0
2 Karola Purgats (06.04.2006) – Tallinna FC Flora 1/0
Forward
14 Lisette Tammik (14.10.1998) – Tallinna FC Flora 77/16
19 Vlada Kubassova (23.08.1995) – Ferencvaros (HUN) 76/13
22 Kristina Teern (13.11.2004) – LASK (AUT) 13/2
6 Katriin Saulus (05.07.2003) – Saku Sporting 6/1
23 Kirkeliis Lillemets (07.12.2005) – Leverkuseni Bayer (GER) 5/0
Source: https://soccernet.ee/artikkel/vaata-jarele-eesti-loi-iisraelile-varava-kuid-uus-rahvuste-liiga-hooaeg-algas-kaotusega https://jalgpall.ee/koondis/7/uudised/naiste-koondis-avas-rahvuste-liigas-varavaarve-kuid-leppis-iisraeli-n24390
