By Nello Martineti 

Amit Lewinthal is one of the most respected sport correspondents in Israel, with a deep understanding and high orientation towards global football. He has served as a commentator on major television channels during the FIFA World Cup, and after all this, we had the honor of having him as the commentator and analyst for the broadcasts of the 2025 WL Grand Prix held in Ramle, under Channel ONE. 

Lewinthal shares with us an in-depth analysis of the broadcasts and the tournament itself, offering very interesting insights:

"I didn't know what to expect since this was the first time I was watching the Peace & Friendship world league. However, I was aware of some of the Israeli players, as well as their seriousness about this project" 

Were you surprised of the Israeli teams' domination?

"I was taken aback by their dominance, especially since I learned that Brazil and Hungary are among the best teams in the league. The level of play that Israel produced was staggering—both technically, physically, and tactically. The team was well-prepared, demonstrating not only individual talent but also excellent connection, understanding, and teamwork.

As well, Israel put on a very committed team who took the tournament seriously. they had young talented players in good shape and good chemistry. on top of that there is a lot of hunger for playing international football after a war which has been last in for 2 years with no foreign teams visiting Israel in official matches. The Israeli team had very good preparation in the months leading to this tournament and nothing speaks better than the fact that 3 different players scored braces against Hungary".

How your public reacted to the broadcast of the Grand Prix?
"There was some wave of enthusiasm from the Israeli public as the matches were all broadcasted live on channel ONE which is one of the main TV sports channels in Israel and people here love football and for international glory. Many people watched the matches on TV as they were broadcasted afternoon when there isn't better thing to watch"…

What was so unique in the Israeli team? 

"What makes this squad so unique is the chemistry and the hierarchy they had with some great leaders and stars with big personality, who pave the way for the others but with very little ego. Per example Benel Edri controlled the defense and navigated the game, Nudelman was very effective in midfield, Ben Ben Yair and Joey Demos are both great captains and leaders with quality and above all Shachak Ben Shabat who is a true star and showed tremendous level of play. All the players have great connection between themselves and to their coach who insists first and foremost on discipline and responsibility".

As for Shachak Ben Shabat, the MVP and Oved Kraus, the outstanding coach of the Grand Prix, how do you summaries their part? 

"Shachak was the head and shoulders above all the rest, since he came on pitch in the first match against Brazil scoring 3 goals and adding 2 brilliant assists, and in the second game as well with 2 goals and 2 assists. He showed versatility, combining speed and strength with great technical level. He is also very charismatic and impressive figure working in education field and you can only admire him for the hard work and superstar performances he delivered. 

Oved Kraus has always been a perfectionist in everything he's done so I expected him to put a decent team, however it took me by surprise to witness how well coached Israel was and the high level they were playing in. Oved paid attention to the smallest details, he knew per example the conditions would be tough (31 degrees Celsius and 75% humidity) so he put emphasis on physical preparations with his assistant and fitness coach Rafi Molcho. He never relaxed and always insisted that defenders and central midfielders go back to their original positions so the Israeli defense won't be surprised. Phenomenal job by a serious guy who managed to create a team with great vibes and perfect atmosphere".

Your country is under a very tough war for almost 2 years. How the Grand Prix could come into it?

"The war over the last 2 years changed many things in Israel's society, there is a lot of appetite for the entertaining and beautiful elements of life and one of them is Sports in general and especially football – the most popular sport in the country by far. The connection and affection to the beautiful game is stronger than ever as a source of hoy and escapism. More than that, I love football and I like most the Ideal of the World League. It is a blessing which bring a lot of enthusiasm and good spirits to the players and the audience".

How was your impression of Brazil and Hungary?

"Brazil is very talented with some great technical individuals like Beto, Nenem, Marcelo, Cupello and others but they had some problems in the team play going forward, but still it was great to see the Selecao in Israel. Hungary was really inspiring, playing in an offensive style with fast players such as Kiss and Lorincz. Their players were not only giving their all on the pitch but also very sympathetic and nice off the pitch smiling and shaking hands, so it was a pleasure meeting them in person as well as watching them play".

Finally, any personal emotional moment you take of the Grand Prix?

"I have two emotional moments during my broadcast: first is the opening goal of the tournament – Miliardo Asrat's wonderful solo score against Brazil which reminded me of Maradona and Messi goals, passing 50 yards with the ball through 4-5 players and finishing off with a perfect touch to the far corner. 

Second was Ben Ben Yair's goal from 55 meters against Hungary, straight after the Hungarian's goal, to put Israel 2-1 up. amazing goal from the middle of the pitch"