Israel's volleyball team achieved its second victory in the group stage of the European Championship, in front of the home crowd, at the Shlomo Group Arena in Tel Aviv, after 2:3 (25-27, 25-12, 25-21, 22-25, 8-15) against Romania, increasing the chances of advancing to the next stage.
The first set was tight throughout, with the advantage shifting from side to side, and in the end, Israel had the upper hand, while the second set was almost in the presence of one side of Romania, who took it without difficulty and managed to equalize to 1:1. The swing in the game continued in the next set, when again the Romanians pressed from the opening and took the set, but once again Israel showed great character and with impressive encouragement, it was their turn to equalize, and ride the momentum, to achieve the huge victory.
This is Israel's second victory, after a 2-3 victory over Greece on the opening day. Among the top performers on Itamar Stein's team are Ido David with 21 points and Tamir Hershko with 17 points. Keep in mind that this is the first tournament the Blue and White have participated in for the first time since they did so in 1971 in Italy, when they finished in 12th place. Yes, yes, we waited 52 years, until the team returned to prestigious status, and that too happens in no small part thanks to the hospitality.
Tomorrow (Friday), the players will have a rest day, as Israel's journey in the group stage of the European Championship continues when it meets on Saturday starting at 20:00 France, the Olympic champions, with the association expecting a full arena, the next day (3.9, 20:00) Israel will face Portugal and finish this stage, against strong Turkey (5.9, 20:00).
The top four in each group (out of 6) will advance to the final eight, which from this stage, until the grand final, will be played in four different cities across Italy.
Photos: Oren Aharoni
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