Sports websites, social media influencers, journalists, and of course, soccer fans around the globe were thrilled beyond measure by the extraordinary performance of the Israeli national team after an unbelievable 3-2 upset victory over Brazil in the quarter-finals of the FIFA U20 World Cup, which has secured Ofir Haim's men’s place in the final four.
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Few believed that this team would even make it to the tournament, let alone reach the knockout stage, and now they have reached the pinnacle of achievements: a victory over one of the favorites of the whole competition, a team filled with superstar players worth tens of millions of euros.
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Dor Turgeman - the world can't get enough of his sublime extra-time goal
(Photo: AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)
"Truth be told, we have to take our hats off to this entire team," wrote one online user. "Who would have believed something like this could happen?"
The global media, of course, took note of the Blue and Whites' historic achievement. "Incredible Israel stun Brazil in major World Cup shock," wrote Spain’s AS. “One of the biggest shocks in the history of the World Cup as five times winners are out. What a game. What a performance. What a shock.”
“Israel shocks Brazil to reach U20 World Cup semifinals,” the Associated Press headline read.
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Israeli national team players celebrate historic World Cup shock victory against Brazil
(Photo: AFP)
“Ofir Haim’s men prevailed both physically and soccer-wise, securing a historic qualification... in what could possibly be the most significant triumph in the country's history,” read Argentina’s Olé.
Although the entire Israeli team staged an outstanding performance at the Estadio San Juan, striker Dor Turgeman stole the show with a breathtaking individual goal in extra time which proved enough to carry them through to the semi-finals and drew comparisons to Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Israeli marksman even celebrated his goal with the former Real Madrid and Manchester United legend’s iconic celebration.
“Cristiano marked an entire generation with his distinctive siiuuu celebration[.] Israel’s third goal is a ]‘]thank you[,] Cristiano[‘] from Turgeman,” wrote one Twitter user.
American journalist Daniel Karell, whose team may face Israel in the semi-finals, was astonished. “Can’t stop won’t stop watching this goal from Dor Turgeman. Unbelievable poise in extra time,” he tweeted.