Israeli Youth Handball Team Beats Montenegro to Reach World Championship Playoffs

The Israeli youth handball team achieved a significant victory by defeating Montenegro 31-27, advancing to the 9-16 placement matches at the World Championship. This win places Israel just one victory away from qualifying for the 2027 World Championship, as the top 15 teams from this tournament will secure spots for next summer's event. The team’s success follows the earlier qualification of the junior team for the same championship.

The match was competitive from the start, with Israel taking an early lead through goals by Geva Dagani and Rom Tobis. Montenegro repeatedly fought back, but Israel maintained a slight advantage, ending the first half ahead 15-13 thanks to standout player Yonatan Pelech. In the second half, Israel extended their lead to 18-14, though Montenegro managed to tie the game at 21-21. Pelech and Roi Ganal then scored crucial goals to regain and maintain a two-goal lead.

In the final minutes, Pelech scored again to make it 28-25, followed by goals from Itai Gorvitz and others, sealing the victory and sparking celebrations. Pelech was the top scorer with 14 goals, supported by Dagani with 4, Gorvitz and Tomer Michalis with 3 each, and others contributing as well. The team now prepares for the next match, which will determine their historic qualification for the World Championship.