FIFA President Sepp Blatter was in Israel this week to lay the foundation stone for the Israel FA's new National Football Centre at Shefayim near Tel Aviv.

The world football chief was complimentary about Israeli football and believes that the centre, which features training pitches and coaching facilities, will help it develop further.

"Dror Kashtan has done great work with your national team," Blatter said, "and it would be a marvellous achievement if you can reach the World Cup finals in South Africa."