Jakarta, Indonesianpost.com – The Israeli national team is one of the participants in the 2023 U-20 World Cup held in Indonesia. This is how Israel’s journey to the tournament goes.
Israel is one of the European representatives in the U-20 World Cup, marking their debut appearance in the event. Israel qualified for the finals after becoming the runner-up in the U-19 European Cup which ended on July 1 last year.
Read also: Israel qualifies for U-20 World Cup, Erick Thohir coordinates with 2 ministries
Israel was one of the surprise teams in the tournament, as they were not predicted to make it to the final. Israel joined Group B in the group stage with England, Austria, and Serbia.
Finishing as the group runner-up, Israel earned four points from three matches. Israel drew 2-2 against Serbia, then won 4-2 against Austria before losing 0-1 to England.
In the semifinals, Israel was surprised by defeating the favorite champion France with a score of 2-1. In the final match, Israel even forced England to play until Extra Time before losing 1-3.
Israel then qualified as a European representative in the U-20 World Cup together with England, Italy, France, and Slovakia. There were a total of nine goals made by Israel in the European Cup.
Read also: PKS considers Anies-Sandi duo in 2024, Gerindra responds
They only lost heavily to France and England, who both made 12 goals. Red Bull Salzburg attacking midfielder Oscar Gloukh was Israel’s mainstay there with three goals.
In addition, Israel’s goals were made by Tai Abed, Ahmed Ibrahim, El Yam Kancepolsky, Ariel Lugasi, and Ilay Madmon.
Israel is not a big name in European football, especially at the youth level. Their best achievement was being the six-time champion of Asia while still part of the AFC.
Nevertheless, Israel’s presence in the U-20 World Cup attracts attention as Indonesia does not have a bilateral relationship due to the conflict in Palestine.
Read also: Anies praises AHY: The Best Son of the Nation and a Bright Star in the Sky of Indonesia
There are concerns about security factors while the Israeli team is in Indonesia. There is a chance that Israel will be placed in Bali, which is considered a neutral zone in Indonesia.
We will wait for Israel to be placed in which group during the draw on April 1.