Local team in sensational soccer upset
Petah Tivka beats Partisan Belgrade 5:2 despite predictions; advances to next stage in UEFA cup
Guy Lazon, manager of the Petah Tikva soccer team, was laughed at and told his team didn't have a chance to score a single goal in Serbia, but the young manager did the impossible and led his team to an incredible 5:2 victory over Partisan Belgrade, ensuring the team a place in the next stage in the UEFA cup tournament.
Omer Golan, a forward who has yet to represent the country in the national squad, was man of the match, scoring a hat trick. His efforts were helped along with goals by Asi Mashiah, and an own goal from Belgrade.
Omer Golan celebrates goal in UEFA victory (Photo: AP)
Ohad Cohen, Petah Tikva's goalkeeper, also had an outstanding game, in an evening that brought honor for Israeli soccer in Europe.
Petah Tikva experienced a wonderful start when it was awarded a penalty, after Golan was brought down within Belgrade's penalty box. Asi Mashiah scored the penalty kick, but was ordered to retake it by the referee.
He was successful again, opening up a 1:0 lead.
Despite an equalizer by Belgrade, Peta Tikva went on to score a series of sensational goals, the last of which was placed in the back of the net by Ismail Amar for Tikva, three minues before the final whistle.
