It was a busy week for Israeli athletes, with European Championships across several sports and World Cup qualifying matches.
Football
Israel’s World Cup hopes suffered a major blow after a 5-4 defeat to Italy in Hungary. Twice taking the lead, Israel surrendered it both times and, despite late goals in the 87th and 89th minutes to level at 4-4, conceded a 91st-minute winner.
With home games played in neutral venues in Hungary, qualification now looks increasingly out of reach.
Basketball
Israel exited EuroBasket in the Round of 16 after an 84-79 loss to Greece. It marked the first time in a decade Israel advanced out of the group stage, highlighted by a strong win over France.
Deni Avdija impressed and looks poised for a breakout season with Portland after five years in the NBA. Israel finished 14th overall, its best result since placing 10th in 2015.
Tennis
Guy Sasson and partner Niels Vink, the world’s top quad tennis player, won the U.S. Open—adding to their French Open and Wimbledon titles. A victory at the Australian Open would complete a four-major sweep.
Sixteen-year-old Daniel Brand captured a title in Kazakhstan, climbing to 152 in the junior rankings. Israel has struggled for top-level players in recent years, with its highest-ranked men’s player currently at 787 and its top-ranked woman at 389.
In Davis Cup play, Israel lost 4-0 to Canada in a tie marred by injuries and pre-match controversy.
Flag Football
The U17 team’s bid for a third straight title fell short, losing 34-14 to Spain in the final. With flag football set to debut at the 2028 Olympics, several players may yet earn spots on the senior national squad.
International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame
The 2023 class was inducted, honoring figures including John Frank, Chris Berman, Rudi Ball, Mordechai Spiegler, Moran Samuel and Arik Ze’evi. The diverse group spans generations and disciplines, united in recognition of their achievements.
Around the Grounds
- Softball: Israel finished 7th at the European Championships.
- Water Polo: Israel placed 8th at the Women’s European U-18 Championships.
- Badminton: Heli Neiman won a Future Series event in Slovenia.
- Athletics: In the women’s marathon, Maor Tiyouri finished 23rd, while Lonah Chemtai Salpeter did not finish.
