Israel U22 Volleyball Team Advances to European Championship Semifinals with 3-0 Win Over Portugal

The Israel under-22 volleyball team achieved a significant milestone by advancing to the semifinals of the European Championship held in Portugal. On June 30, 2026, Israel defeated the host nation Portugal decisively with a 3-0 victory (25-22, 25-18, 25-21), securing first place in their group. The Israeli squad, coached by Noam Katz, demonstrated tactical discipline and strong offensive play throughout the match, leaving little chance for the home team.

Key contributors to Israel's dominant performance included players Shay Liberman and Mark Roura, each scoring 15 points, supported by Nikita Maron with 8 points. Coach Katz expressed pride in the team's progress, recalling their initial dream three years ago to qualify for the European Championship and emphasizing their goal to win a medal. He acknowledged the challenges ahead but praised the young players for breaking barriers.

Mark Roura highlighted the team's consistent level and tactical discipline, which helped maintain a high side-out percentage and build a lead. Looking ahead, Israel will face a strong Polish team in their final group stage match on July 1, aiming to maintain momentum as they enter the tournament's knockout rounds. The team plans to rest and recover before this crucial game.

This victory marks a historic achievement for Israeli volleyball at the youth level and sets the stage for a competitive finish in the prestigious European tournament.