Despite playing for half an hour with ten players, the Israeli national team made history last night when it reached the eighth of the World Cup finals after an unexpected and dramatic turnaround on the way to a 1-2 victory over Japan. The Japanese took the lead just before the break, but two goals with plenty of character from Nawi (77) and Senior (92) set the tone for the thrilling celebration in Mendoza.
Ofir Haim is at the center of the festivities. History for the Israeli national team, photo: AP
Ofir Haim, who broke down in tears at the end, said: "The entire State of Israel, we love you, we did it for you, I dedicate this victory to you. It's a heroic victory, we are responsible for the biggest game in the history of Israeli football. We won with ten players, a tremendous team. Now the sky is the limit for us, we are not afraid of any team. It's great history."
UN FESTEJO HISTÓRICO: la Selección Sub 20 de Israel se clasificó a los octavos de final del Mundial Sub 20 de Argentina y así lo celebró el plantel en el vestuario.
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Dor Turgman added: "This is a victory of the heart and soul of every single player here. We believed from the beginning, even after the red card. At the break we said it sucked to get the goal in that minute, but we believed after it and I'm glad it went. Thank you so much for staying up for us, glad we gave you back, now we have to move forward."
Shino Zuaretz, chairman of the Israel Football Association, congratulated the young group: "Sometimes words run out in the face of historic moments of great heart, talent and belief that anything is possible until the last moment. Immense pride for the professional and logistical staff, the players, blue and white football and the State of Israel. The runners-up of the European Championship, our Israeli team, recorded another great achievement.
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"Bonnie, Ofir and our wonder group have marked a glorious chapter in the history of Israeli football and will be a central part of its future. Great happiness and even greater joy tonight."
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