The biblical story of David and Goliath has become in our tradition synonymous with struggle, in which the small side, the absolute underdog, defeats the clear favorite thanks to his cunning, faith and ability to identify a weakness in the opponent and take full advantage of it.
It is no coincidence that Ofir Haim and the broadcaster alongside Orr Sucriano chose to use this great story to describe our children's heroic victory over the favorites from France.
The broadcast of this team's games is full of emotions for me from the moment the tournament started, emotions that reached a peak in the semi-finals.
At some point tears of excitement welled up in my eyes and my voice choked.
Seven years ago, Nir Levin approached me with an offer to coach the first youth team at Maccabi Tel Aviv, 1999. At first I did not think in that direction, I thought of graduates (after three years as an assistant coach at Maccabi Haifa and Betar Jerusalem) or at least a youth coach .
Happily, the wise advice I received from my friend Dan Roman made me accept the offer, and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.
The impact of a youth and youth coach on children - not just in football, but in life itself - is enormous.
The emotional connection created is maintained forever, and the feedback they receive from the children is worth every minute of investment.
This is the real salary that a youth department coach receives, and it is invaluable.
El-Yam Kanzapolski is a special child.
He came up to me for youth at the age of 15.5 and the connection to him was immediate.
A true winner, a leader, tells the truth inside out, trains with full force and is a player you take with you to every battle.
It is no coincidence that he hit the winning goal against the French Goliath.
Israelov and Kanzapolsky.
Like the story of David and Goliath,
Autumn Lemkin, my brake on youth, Omar Boxenbaum brought from the city rival thanks to his personal charm and ability to make parents believe this is the right place.
In this championship he rises - there are 51 players who have tried to pass them a double-digit number of times in the tournament, but the only one who failed to pass even once is Autumn Lemkin.
Only a coach in the youth department understands the sacrifice required to be an actor, and that also makes the achievement particularly exciting.
My advice to any player who finishes playing - go coach in the youth departments.
Bring your experience to the next generation, and along the way you will improve as coaches.
True, it's not glittering, the hours are nothing, the pitches are bad and the low wage needs extra work, but these moments, when I saw El-Yam running frantically to the bench after the goal and Autumn celebrating with his father - worth it all, and even more.
El-Yam Kanzapolski celebrates in the semifinals.
Worth It All, Photo: UEFA, Official Website
The historic final I will have to interpret from the field, and it will be the biggest moment in my work in the media, more than the Euro final for the graduates.
The journey of these young people, whom I knew when they were 15, will culminate.
I can only wish Ofir Haim success and that he will continue to get the most out of them.
The trophy is just a bonus, I have already won.
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