Summary of Israel's 2:2 home draw against Iceland/Sport1
The Icelandic media revealed last night (Saturday) the turn of events that led to Israel hosting Iceland in Hungary in the semi-finals of the Euro 2024 promotion playoffs. How the Israeli association applied heavy pressure to hold the game at home, but was met with a stubborn refusal and, not surprisingly, had to reserve Franz Susna Stadium in Budapest.
Jórondur Sveinsson, head of the soccer department of the Icelandic association, said in an interview yesterday: "When we were drawn against Israel in November, it was still unclear whether Israel would be able to play because of the unfortunate situation in the Middle East. Our only demand was not to play in Israel."
Swainson added and said: "It took a while until a decision was made. (In the talks between the associations) Israel voiced its side and exerted heavy pressure, but we did not consider the possibility of playing there. Fortunately, UEFA intervened and the result is that the match will take place in Hungary."
The match between the teams in 2022/GettyImages, JACK GUEZ
In Iceland, there is a clear anti-Israel streak that has of course spilled over into the sports world as well.
Politicians, publicists and even the coach of the national team, Oga Hareida, voiced strong opinions against Israel following the war in Gaza - without, of course, mentioning the murderous invasion of Israel by the Palestinians on October 7.
Many have raised a demand to boycott the game, even at the cost of punishment against the Icelandic association.
Swainson said on this topic: "We hear the voices in our country to boycott the game, but this is a possibility we did not consider. From our point of view, it is clear that as long as UEFA does not suspend Israel, we will show up for the game as planned.
The goal is to win.
Israel
will play against Iceland in the semi-finals of the playoffs on March 21, and the winner will face Ukraine or Bosnia. Whoever wins the final, will win a ticket to Euro 2024 in Germany and play in Group 5, to which Belgium, Slovakia and Romania were also drawn. Due The security situation, Israel will again host in Budapest.
More on the same topic:
Iceland national team
Israel's national team
Euro 2024