Subscribe to Print Edition | Sun., November 23, 2008 Cheshvan 25, 5769 | | Israel Time: 01:16 (EST+7)   Back to Homepage web haaretz.com Haaretz Toolbar Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Car Rental Books Haaretz Magazine Business Real Estate GA 2008 Travel Week's End Anglo File

Soccer / Beitar aims to maintain momentum By Moshe Boker and David Marwani Netanya hopes to bounce back against Kiryat Shmona after last week's defeat Last week's victory over Maccabi Netanya improved spirits at Beitar Jerusalem, which will try to continue its momentum when hosting Maccabi Petah Tikva this weekend. If Beitar wins then it could leapfrog over Petah Tikva into third place in the premier league. Coach Reuven Atar yesterday held a team meeting during which players were shown their rivals match against Bnei Yehuda, as well as some footage of their triumph in Netanya. "We've had an excellent week after a complicated time," Atar said yesterday. "We've been putting in good performances in recent matches, and the victory over Netanya put us back in a position where we are in control." Advertisement Beitar has not yet won at its home stadium this year, and veteran defender David Amsalem believes now would be a good time to start. "We have to get back to winning at home and this week we have an opportunity against Maccabi Petah Tikva, a good team with a coach who knows us well," he said. Amsalem also responded to the inflammatory comments made by Beitar Jerusalem boss Arcadi Gaydamak, who said he was considering cutting off funds to the team as punishment for disappointing him. The player said the team had grown used to the media coverage, and that he would not judge Gaydamak as he was dealing with a personal issue. "We'll try and win for him, too, and make him feel better," Amsalem said. K. Shmona prepares for Netanya Meanwhile, final preparations are being made in Kiryat Shmona ahead of the local team's match against Lothar Matthaus' Maccabi Netanya. Kiryat Shmona tied league leader Maccabi Haifa last week, and have high expectations from tomorrow's game. Coach Michel Dayan, however, is facing a plague of injuries that has limited the number of fit players for the match. At least four players will be benched due to injuries, but on the plus side Guy Tzarfati has recovered from a back injury. Hap. P-T has high hopes The underdogs of Hapoel Petah Tikva are also hopeful that they can upset Maccabi Haifa this weekend. "Maccabi Haifa may lead the league but we proved we aren't scared of good clubs," Hapoel Petah Tikva coach Ze'ev Zeltzer said yesterday. "We don't always win, but until now we've shown we don't suffer from any inferiority complex." Only 300 tickets remain unsold ahead of the encounter. Zeltzer, too, will have to deal with a spate of injuries that have sidelined the team's top goal scorer. Also, goalkeeper Shavit Elimelech did not train yesterday and will probably be replaced by Snir Dori. Bookmark to del.icio.us   Mikaeel Jackson Report: Pop star Michael Jackson converts to Islam. Peace now Abbas calls on Obama to enact Arab peace plan as soon as he takes office.

Read & React 20,000 Jewish pilgrims to descend on Hebron amid settler violence Responses: 222 Experts argue: How close is Iran to its first nuclear weapon? Responses: 135 Video: Prof. Avi Shlaim says settlements turn Israel into Apartheid state Responses: 181 Debate over Museum of Tolerance - an exchange Responses: 23 PLO official Yasser Abed Rabbo: The Palestinian people need Obama's help Responses: 76 Gideon Levy: Israeli left was born in sin and died because of a lie Responses: 91 More Headlines 21:39 Settler teens attack Border police in Hebron 21:55 Qassams strike western Negev in latest threat to fragile truce 00:20 Obama's Mideast peace platform is coming into focus 15:00 Abbas calls on Obama to enact Arab peace plan as soon as he takes office 22:13 Top Israeli diplomats in Turkey kicked out of Istanbul university 22:49 Hollywood in Netanya: Ben Stiller and Chris Rock in coastal city for 'Madagascar 2' premiere 01:12 Saudi Arabia denies report it offered asylum to Taliban leader 00:22 Hezbollah: 'Zionist Lobby' behind Germany's decision to ban Al-Manar TV station 10:08 Iran executes man convicted of spying for Israel 23:00 Visiting Argentine president offers Libya help with nuclear power 13:11 Your land is my land 20:47 Report: Pop star Michael Jackson converts to Islam 19:59 Peru police nab Israeli for plotting to smuggle a half a ton of cocaine to Europe 13:10 Report: Hezbollah carries out military drills in south Lebanon 16:10 Syria: No more UN visits to alleged nuclear site Previous Editions Select Day 21 nov 20 nov 19 nov 18 nov 17 nov 16 nov 14 nov 13 nov 12 nov 11 nov 10 nov 09 nov

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