Sign in to baba News

One account across the web, iPhone and Android — your subscription follows it.

or use an email code

Search stories

Type at least two characters. Results come from every newsroom baba reads.

↑↓ to move · ↵ to open · esc to close

Sign in to baba News

Sign in to keep asking. News Plus removes the daily limit.

or use an email code

Ongoing Story· Day 22

Czech Republic May Be Losing Race for Israeli Soccer Prodigy Orr Yan Goran

12 developments

WallaSports

Czech Republic Courts Barcelona Prospect Orrian Goren for National Team

Translated & summarized from Walla by baba

CenterNeutral tone

Hebrew · 2 newsrooms covering

The Czech Football Association is attempting to recruit 17-year-old Barcelona player Orrian Goren for its senior national team, with his father confirming serious consideration of the offer. Goren, who has played for Israel's youth teams, has Czech roots and is not yet committed to any senior national team. FIFA regulations allow for potential national team switches under certain conditions. The Czech Republic is vying with Israel for the young talent.

The story in 6 lines · by baba

  • Czech Republic is trying to recruit Barcelona's 17-year-old Orrian Goren for its senior national team.
  • Goren's father confirmed discussions with the Czech coach and serious consideration of the offer.
  • Orrian Goren has played for Israel's U-19 and U-21 teams and is expected to be called up by Israel's senior team.
  • FIFA regulations allow for potential national team switches under specific conditions.
  • Goren has Czech ancestry through his maternal grandparents.
  • The Czech Football Association has been monitoring Goren for several years.

The Czech Football Association is actively trying to recruit 17-year-old Barcelona midfielder Orrian Goren to play for their senior national team, a move that could see him represent the Czech Republic over Israel. Pavel Nedved, the professional manager of the Czech national teams, revealed the effort, and Goren's father, Yarom Goren, has confirmed discussions with the Czech coach, Santi Denia. The family feels honored by the interest from the Czech Republic and is seriously considering the offer, as Orrian is not yet committed to any senior national team. He has played for Israel's U-19 and U-21 teams and is expected to receive a call-up to Israel's senior squad soon.

Yarom Goren stated that all options are open, emphasizing the significant personal and professional nature of the decision. He noted that his son feels a connection to both Israel and his Czech roots. Nedved, a former star, compared Goren's potential to that of Pedri, highlighting his technical development and suitability for Barcelona's style of play. Goren recently made his senior team debut for Barcelona in a match against Real Madrid.

According to FIFA regulations, Goren could potentially switch national teams even after playing for a senior team, provided certain conditions are met, including age and number of appearances. A three-year waiting period might also be required. Goren has Czech ancestry through his maternal grandmother, Zuzana Cervan, and maternal grandfather, Jan Cervan, who emigrated from Czechoslovakia to Mandatory Palestine before World War II. Although Goren speaks only a few words of Czech, the Czech Football Association has been monitoring him for years. Tomáš Kolowrat, a former coach for the Czech U-17 team, described Goren as a creative midfielder with excellent vision, dribbling, and decision-making skills, typical of La Masia graduates.

While Goren might also be eligible for Spanish citizenship, the intense competition for a spot on the Spanish national team makes that path more complex. Currently, the Czech Republic is attempting to secure this promising talent before Israel does.

WallaCentre · Tel Aviv

Sign in to baba News

Sign in to follow newsrooms, topics and people.

or use an email code

SportsTopic

Sign in to baba News

Sign in to follow newsrooms, topics and people.

or use an email code

Mentioned

Full coverage · 2 outlets
First: Walla · Oct 28

The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.

Related stories · 5

Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.

Open the Wire