Israel Youth Soccer Team Eyes Euro 2027 Playoff Berth

The Israel U21 national soccer team is 90 minutes away from qualifying for the 2027 European Championship playoffs. Ahead of the final qualifying round, Israel sits second in Group Z with 10 points. On Tuesday evening, they will face group leaders Norway in an away match, aiming for a victory that would significantly boost their chances of advancing.

Currently, Israel is positioned above the Netherlands, which has nine points, and Bosnia, with seven. The Netherlands will play Bosnia concurrently, a match that could also impact Israel's standing. Goalkeeper Ofek Malika expressed the team's determination, stating, "We are all happy to be here, we are working hard, hugging each other, helping each other, and in the end, we want to achieve the goal and qualify for the Euros, to do everything for it." He described the recent tough match against Slovenia as one where the team "fought until the end, until the last second, and truly gave their heart, each and every one, and we did it together as a team."

Malika acknowledged Norway as a strong, physical opponent currently leading the group, but emphasized, "In the end, it's a soccer game of 11 on 11 and we can beat any team." He added that the team is in good spirits, supporting each other, which is crucial.

Defender Noam Steifman, who is experiencing his first call-up to both the senior and youth national teams, called the current camp "a very exciting week" and a "dream come true." He stated, "Right now, I am with the youth team and will be where I am needed. We have a lot of faith in ourselves, in the team and the staff, and we want to do everything to win tonight." Reflecting on the Norway match, Steifman noted, "A very strong team, but in the end, we come to do our job, and it doesn't matter who we play against. After the win against Slovenia, we understood that it is really possible, and we are coming to play tonight for all the marbles."

A projected starting lineup includes Ofek Malika, Noam Ben Harush, Ido Cohen, Noam Steifman, Maor Yishayirumak, Iyad Hallaili, Niv Yehoshua, Ran Benjamin, Oryan Goren, Tai Abd, and Mohamed Abu Rumi.