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Israel’s under-19 men’s soccer team beats France to reach first European final

The Israeli team will play England in the final on Friday in Trnava, Slovakia.

Israeli youth national players celebrate after reaching the final of the UEFA Under-19 European Championship, (Credit: Israel FA-Twitter).
Israeli youth national players celebrate after reaching the final of the UEFA Under-19 European Championship, (Credit: Israel FA-Twitter).

Israel’s under-19 national soccer team reached the final of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship after upsetting France in the semifinals 2-1 on Tuesday.

The Israeli team will play England in the final on Friday in Trnava, Slovakia.

Israeli Oscar Gloukh crossed the ball in front of the French goal, and a French defender slid to clear the ball but accidentally put the ball into his team’s net, putting Israel ahead. Then, El Yam Kancepolsky headed in the second goal in the second half. France then scored to bring it back to 2-1.

Senior Israel politicians congratulated the team’s victory, including outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and probable incoming Prime Minister Yair Lapid.

All four teams that made it to the semi-finals are moving on next year to the World Cup.

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