The road to Rio for Israel begins in Baku tonight when it takes on Azerbaijan in its first 2014 World Cup qualifier.
Israel has won all three of its previous meetings with Azerbaijan by a combined goal difference of 10-0, but are not taking nothing for granted ahead of Friday's showdown considering its discouraging performances in its four friendly encounters since coach Eli Gutman took charge at the beginning the year and the steady improvement being made by its opponent.
Gutman in his first official campaign, looks particularly stressed. While he has tried to display an aura of calm, he looks tense in practice with his arms folded and handing out few directives. No one could even draw a hint of a smile from him.
Although Israel should win - Azerbaijan is number 107 in the FIFA world rankings while Israel is ranked 75th - Guttman refused to say the words "three points" during this week's press conference. He would not speak of victory but rather that the team knows what it wants and what job it has to get done.
Azerbaijan recorded its best ever qualifying campaign under German coach Berti Vogts when it ended Group A of Euro 2012 qualification in fifth place out of six teams, picking up seven points thanks to a home win over Turkey and a draw with Belgium.
"We have all the information about Azerbaijan and we know we are facing a serious team," Israel captain Yossi Benayoun said. "We can't afford to underestimate them."
