Israel U21 Secures Dramatic Euro Qualifier Win Over Slovenia

The Israel U21 national football team achieved a significant victory against Slovenia, winning 3-2 with a last-minute goal in a Euro 2027 qualifier. Despite falling behind early in the match, the Israeli team demonstrated resilience and character to come from behind.

Slovenia took an early lead in the 7th minute, potentially from an offside position, putting pressure on the Israeli squad. However, Israel equalized in the 27th minute through captain Tai Abed, who plays for Real Valladolid, after a cross from Maccabi Tel Aviv defender Noam Ben Harush. The first half ended 1-1.

Shortly after the second half began, Israel took the lead with another assist from Ben Harush, this time finding Hapoel Tel Aviv striker Daniel Dapeh, who provided an artistic backheel pass to Tai Abed for his second goal of the game. Abed nearly completed a hat-trick but was denied by the Slovenian goalkeeper.

Slovenia managed to equalize in the 73rd minute due to a defensive lapse on the left wing and an unfortunate error by Israeli goalkeeper Ofek Malika. In the 91st minute, following a corner kick, a rebound from the Slovenian keeper fell to Niv Yehoshua, a midfielder for Hapoel Be'er Sheva, who scored into an empty net to secure the 3-2 win for Israel.

This crucial away victory propelled Guy Luzon's team to second place in their qualifying group, keeping their hopes alive for a playoff spot in next summer's European Championship. Israel's final qualifier is against Norway on October 6th, where a win could secure them a direct spot in the tournament, especially if Bosnia loses to Norway earlier that day.