Debutants Israel create history in Argentina
'This was a heroic win, the greatest match in the history of Israeli soccer'
In one of the biggest achievements for Israeli football, its national team staged a stunning comeback in stoppage time – when one player down – to beat Japan 2-1 in their do-or-die third group match of the 2023 FIFA U20 Men’s World Cup in Mendoza, Argentina, last Sunday morning (Australian time).
The win came after a first-up 1-2 loss to Colombia, and a 1-1 draw with Senegal.
It elevated Israel – in their U20 World Cup debut no less – into second place in Group C, automatically securing a spot in the Round of 16.
It also marked Israel’s first win in any FIFA World Cup match.
And just before going to print on Wednesday morning, the Israelis beat Uzbekistan 1-0 – through a goal by Anan Khalaili in the last minute of stoppage time – to advance to the quarter-finals.
Japan began the match well, creating the most goal-scoring chances, converting one just before the half-time break.
Matters became worse for Israel when Ran Binyamin received his second yellow card when committing a foul in the 68th minute, so he was given his marching orders.
But somehow, being one man down seemed to spur Israel on.
Not losing any belief, they equalised in the 76th minute through an angled header by Roy Navi, following a free kick.
Knowing a draw would almost certainly not be enough to advance, Israel lifted further late in the second half, and that pressure bore fruit in the first minute of stoppage time.
Looking to create an opening, attacking midfielder Stav Lemkin dribbled cross-field, drawing in a defender, to pass ahead to a freed-up Dor Turgeman, who deftly executed a backwards flick-on pass to Omer Senior, who made no mistake with his close range shot at goal.
“This was a heroic win, the greatest match in the history of Israeli soccer,” Israel’s coach Ofir Haim said, in tears of joy.
“This is for all of Israel, I dedicate this to you. I have no words … the players have a big heart and soul.
“From the 68th minute, we were with 10 players, and they were all over the field.”
The tournament is being played in Argentina as a result of Indonesia losing its hosting rights, penalised for objecting to the inclusion of Israel, which had earned its spot last year when reaching the final of the U19 European Championships.
The team’s success prompted feelings of pride and excitement by Israeli-expats in Australia who are involved in Jewish sport, and football.
Hakoah FC board member and youth coordinator, Ofer Greenberg, told The AJN on Tuesday, “I closely follow Israel’s national teams, and its domestic league, and believe the achievement of this U20 Israeli side over the last week is the highest of any Israeli team.”
Maccabi NSW general manager Ori Danieli said, “There’s three words to describe Israel’s remarkable triumph – wow, wow, wow!”
“Beating a world-class team like Japan … definitely marks one of the more exciting moments in Israeli sport history, and I feel tremendously proud and fortunate to have witnessed it.”
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