Israel’s U20 close to qualify for world cup

IN its first ever FIFA U20 men’s world cup appearance, Israel led Colombia 1-0 in their opening Group C match on Monday morning (Australian time) but eventually lost 1-2, at Diego Maradona Stadium in La Plata, Argentina.
After missing several scoring chances in a goalless first half, the Israeli team (pictured) got on the board first through a 57th minute penalty goal to Dor Turgeman but Colombia equalised, also through a penalty goal, nine minutes later, following a VAR decision on an Israeli handball.
Colombia claimed victory right at the end, with a 90th minute goal.
Israel’s coach Ofir Haim said that while he was disappointed with the result, his players had come up against an “excellent team with talented players, who will be talked about around the world”.
Israel is due to face Senegal at 4am on Thursday, May 25 (Australian time), and then Japan at 7am this Sunday.
The tournament is in Argentina, after FIFA stripped Indonesia of its hosting rights, due to that nation’s objection to Israel’s participation.

Credit: AJN