Israel concluded its Nations League A campaign with a historic 1-0 victory over Belgium, three days after a heroic 0-0 draw against France. Despite this performance, the team finished last in their group and was relegated to League B.
In difficult conditions in Budapest, with negative temperatures and thick fog, the Israeli players made an impression as soon as they entered the field by offering their coats to the children who accompanied them. On a sporting level, Ran Ben Shimon's team could have opened the scoring in the first half. In the 23rd minute, a fine dribble from Manor Solomon ended with Eli Dasa hitting the crossbar. Fifteen minutes later, Dor Peretz found himself alone against Belgian goalkeeper Casteels, but his shot lacked power.
The second half took place at a slower pace, with both teams favoring long balls towards their attackers. Ben Shimon's changes proved decisive when Dia Saba and Jordan Shuaa, the latter making his international debut, came on. In the 86th minute, Saba recovered the ball and passed it to Shuaa, who scored his first goal in the national jersey.
This is the first time since September 2015 that Israel has managed not to concede a goal in two consecutive matches. At the time, it was against Andorra and Wales, less formidable opponents than today's France and Belgium. Daniel Peretz, the Bayern Munich goalkeeper, particularly shone during these two meetings.
In a particularly tough group also including France and Italy, Israel finished with just one victory in six matches. The team will now play in League B, where they will face nations like Albania, Slovenia and Ukraine.
France
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