Israel’s men edge Norway in five-set European League thriller

Israel’s men’s volleyball team beat Norway 3-2 on Friday night in the European League, rallying after letting a two-set lead slip before taking the decisive fifth set. The set scores were 25-18, 25-17, 17-25, 23-25, 15-10. Israel finished with 2 points, and will play Sweden in Sturmuica on Sunday.

Marko Rora led Israel with 26 points, and Shay Liberman added 24. Israel controlled the opening stretch, winning the first two sets comfortably, but Norway fought back to force a fifth set. In the decider, Israel recovered from a 5-4 deficit, scored five straight points, and moved ahead 9-5 after Slava Bachekela served.

Coach Itamar Stein said after the match, “This team is young, but very mature mentally.” He praised Norway for heavy pressure on serve and receive in the third and fourth sets, and said he was relieved Israel managed to close it out. “I am very proud of the guys,” he added, saying the win was important and that losing after such a lead would have been disappointing.

Stein also stressed team chemistry, saying the squad is in its fourth year together and that “the good atmosphere” and enjoyment of training are key to success. He said the team does not rely on one player, calling it “a puzzle,” and set ambitious goals of reaching the Final 4 and qualifying for another European Championship. Looking ahead to Sweden, he called the next opponent stronger than Norway, citing its athletic, tall roster and recent wins over Greece and Spain. Israel’s women’s volleyball team also lost on Friday, falling 3-0 to Slovakia, with Valerie Gemanovich scoring 17 points and Shiral Jinach 9.