Greenberg: "We have a chance to do something great" Israel today

Excitement in Nes Ziona ahead of the European Cup final against Ostrov • Greenberg: "It's very emotional for the fans" • The injured and painful Tal Dan: "I am currently paying a price but I must not give up"

• Urbani Ness Ziona celebrates immigration to the final of the Jorkop Cup

  Photo: 

  Alan Shiver

Excitement in the city of Ness Ziona ahead of the European Cup final against the Polish Ostrov and the possibility of winning the first European title in the club's history.

Captain Tal Dan, who was injured in the head during the dramatic semi-final on Friday against Parma Perm and returned to play with stitches, is not ready to give up the historic game and will go up in Brad Greenberg's quintet.

"There are 1,500 children who play basketball in Ness Ziona and see me as a role model and an admirable figure, and I want to show them that we must not give up and should pursue our dreams at all costs, and there is a price, and I am currently paying a price but not to give up. I did it mainly for them and the guys "They will understand that the goal is very important for our club and our city and we want to do that. The city and the club will receive European recognition if we win the title."

Greenberg added: "We have a chance to win a European title. This is something that has only happened to two Israeli teams in history, and we are the third team to go fight for one, so it's big. It's very emotional for fans who support the team for a decade. "Competes at these levels. The Poles have a team that plays well and is going to be a competitive game for the cup."

The X Factor in the dramatic victory in the semifinals was Nimrod Levy, who after a long period stood out with 14 points and also Haifa for the lack of Tal Dan while the captain was treated in the locker rooms.

"I had a tough time with a not-so-simple and long injury. I was out quite a long time, it wasn't easy to come back, but I always believe," the talented forward said, referring to the historic game.

"We always want to compete for a title. It's going to be a tough 40 minutes so we have to get ready. We feel the city is pushing. The whole city is involved, families, the fans are with us, it's something special."