Israel stuns Brazil 3-2 to win semi-finals for under 20/W Cup
On Saturday, Israel achieved a remarkable victory in football, marking one of their greatest wins in history. They shocked Brazil with a score of 3-2 in extra time, securing their place in the semi-finals of the Under-20 World Cup.
It was a closely contested match, with Israel making two comebacks before Dor Turgeman’s exceptional solo goal sealed the unexpected triumph. In the semi-finals, Israel will face either Uruguay or the United States.
The game began with a goalless first half, but Brazil, a five-time winner of the tournament, managed to break through in the 56th minute with an impressive left-foot shot by Marcos Leonardo. Israel responded swiftly, as Anan Khalaili scored a header from a precise cross by El Yam Kancepolski in the 60th minute, thrilling the predominantly pro-Israel crowd.
However, Israel’s hopes were dampened when Matheus Nascimento scored for Brazil just 20 seconds into extra time, regaining the lead. Nevertheless, Hamza Shibli equalized for Israel two minutes later, tapping in a low ball from Ilay Feingold.
The deciding goal arrived near the end of the first period of extra time when Turgeman skillfully evaded two defenders and struck the ball past Kaique Pereira. Although Ilay Madmon and Ahmad Ibrahim missed penalties for Israel in the second period of extra time, Ofir Haim’s team managed to hold on to their lead. Turgeman, reflecting on his winning goal, attributed it to his childhood experiences playing in his neighborhood.
Israel’s victory broke a 40-year curse against Brazil and instilled a sense of pride and happiness for the nation. Despite being considered underdogs, Israel believed in themselves and played with passion against the highly-regarded Brazilian team.
They now have the confidence to continue their journey in the tournament and aim for the ultimate victory. Israel’s accomplishment is notable as they are the first debutants since Senegal in 2015 to reach the semi-finals of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup.
The senior Israeli national team has only qualified for the World Cup finals once, exiting in the group stage during the 1970 World Cup in Mexico.
