The Israeli U20 soccer national team continued to make history overnight Wednesday after beating Uzbekistan 1-0 with a 97th-minute goal to qualify for the FIFA U20 World Cup quarter-finals held in Argentina.
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Anan Khalaili scored the winning goal for Israel against the reigning Asian champions in stoppage time after coming off the bench to continue the Blue and Whites’ historic Cinderella run. In the quarter-finals, Ofir Haim’s men will face either Brazil or Tunisia on Saturday.
The Israeli U-20 soccer team's character has been on full display throughout the tournament. In their final group stage match, a determined 10-men Israel rallied from a 1-0 deficit to defeat Japan 2-1, thanks to a magnificent team goal in the 92nd minute.
Coach Ofir Haim said after the game: "I set a goal, I told you so. I'm very proud of the players, the boys. It was a very tough game, like a cup final. We didn't play well enough, we weren't smart enough, but we showed a lot of character and determination.
Up to the very last moment, until the last second, we believed we could win the game. We were better, and we deserved this victory. It wasn't a great game, but we had a lot of heart and soul. Everything is hard, everything in my life is hard. I fight with all my might to achieve everything. But this is the sweetest. It seems this is what God chose for me, and I am happy."
Haim also spoke about his team’s next match against either Brazil or Tunisia.
“Whoever comes, welcome. We will prepare ourselves. We still have a day off. We will get ready. We want to reach the semi-finals."
And for the Israeli fans who stayed up to watch the game deep into the night at home, Haim said, "I told you not to fall asleep. For those who stayed awake - it was worth it. We will do everything in the next game to make everyone happy."
Anan Khalaili, who scored the dramatic winner said: "It's a very emotional moment. I have goosebumps all over my body. Thank you to all the people of Israel who supported us and stayed up until two in the morning to watch the game. I felt like it was my day, I had a good feeling. I knew it.
We are all winners, a group of true men. I am proud of every player here. Anything is possible. We can do it. We're no suckers at all, not less good than any other team here, and we've proven it."