Israeli Youth Handball Team Begins European Championship With World Cup Qualification in Sight

The Israeli youth handball team is set to start its campaign at the European Championship in Belgrade, Serbia, with its opening match against Croatia scheduled for Wednesday at 13:00. Following the success of the under-21 team, which qualified for next summer's World Championship, the youth team aims to secure a historic first-ever appearance at the World Championship. If they finish among the top 14 out of 24 teams, they will earn a ticket to the global tournament, marking the first time two Israeli teams will compete in the same summer's World Championships.

The team faces a challenging preliminary group including Croatia, the Czech Republic (match on Thursday at 13:00), and Portugal (match on Saturday at 13:00). The players have limited international experience, having only competed in last summer's qualifiers in Lithuania, where they finished second and qualified for the European Championship. Many players are accompanied by family members who bring Israeli team gear and flags to create a supportive atmosphere.

Coach Dor Russo expressed optimism ahead of the tournament, highlighting two years of preparation and a dedicated support staff. He emphasized the team's focus on fast-paced handball and aggressive defense to compensate for their lack of height. Russo acknowledged the tough draw but believes in his squad's ability to secure wins through precise execution and strategic game plans.

The roster includes captain Yonatan Pelech and players such as Ruben Oanono, Itamar Mishraki, and Rom Tobis. The coaching and support team features assistant coach Assaf Siton, physiotherapist Pablo Cornejo Tom, team manager Dor Moshe, psychologist Roy Yabluchnik, and delegation head Gilad Natan. The team aims to build on the under-21 team's success and make history with their performance in Belgrade.