Profile of the U-20 Israel National Team who will appear at the U-20 World Cup in Indonesia
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Profile of the U-20 Israel National Team who will appear at the U-20 World Cup in Indonesia. Photo: Instagram/@israel_football_association
JAKARTA – The existence of the U-20 Israel National Team at the 2023 U-20 World Cup has received negative attention from the world. Unfortunately, FIFA’s number two biggest event this year is being held by a Muslim-majority country in the world, namely in Indonesia, May 20-June 11 2023.
Israel itself is a country that does not have diplomatic relations with Indonesia. There are quite a number of unanswered questions, such as the technical arrival of the Israeli U-20 national team players, and how Indonesia should position itself to welcome Israeli players is still a question mark.
But in fact, apart from all that, the Israel U-20 National Team can appear in the 2023 U-20 World Cup because their football federation is recognized by FIFA and their national team has qualified for the finals. So, what is the profile of the U-20 Israel National Team that will appear in Indonesia?
The Israeli national team was founded in 1928 and registered with the International Football Federation (FIFA) a year later. The latest data released by FIFA, Israel is ranked 76th in the world with 1,315.67 points. The Israeli U-20 and U-21 national teams usually play in non-UEFA matches.
The initial idea of forming an Israeli youth team sparked in 1957. At that time, the Israeli Football Association (IFA) was considering a squad to take part in the 1958 UEFA U-18 championship. However, the debut of young Israeli players, who were still under the U-18 umbrella 19, only implemented in May 1962.
In that event Israel had to swallow a 1-3 defeat to England. Subsequently, the team continued to participate in other world championships. Israel has qualified for the 2023 U-20 World Cup, after performing well at the 2022 U-19 European Championship.
Meanwhile, the players who will appear include Noam Benharush, Nitai Greis, Ofek Melika, Tai Abed, Roee Alkokin, Roy Navi, Adi Yona, Ariel Lugassy, Anan Khalaili, and many others.
Based on available data, the Israeli U-19 national team won the AFC U-19 Championship in 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1971 and 1972. Then, was runner up at the 1990 FIFA World Youth Championship, the OFC U-20 Championship in 1985 and 1986.
With Israel’s success competing in the 2023 U-20 World Cup, this is considered an extraordinary achievement. Despite losing 0-1 to England, Israel can still progress to the 2023 U-20 World Cup stage.
(sto)
