On a chilly Jerusalem evening, Israel hosted Andorra in Teddy Stadium for an important European qualifier.
The Israelis returned home after a dramatic 2-1 win against Belarus in Budapest, scoring two goals in the last five minutes, including one from Oskar Gloukh, directly from a corner.
Heading into the game in this good mood, Alon Hazan’s men wanted to carry this momentum against the weakest team in the group.
Andorra, however, also came into the game relatively confident, after a respectable 2-1 loss at home to Switzerland.
Will Israel achieve the predictable win? Will Andorra achieve a historic result?#Euro2024Qualifiers
— BabaGol (@BabaGol_) June 19, 2023
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📸 @NickieLiberman & @shaulig pic.twitter.com/yce6l2WIJo
In all it was a weak first half, but Israel's first shot on target did the trick.
Raz Shlomo surprised everyone with a shot from outside the box that went past the goalkeeper - a huge sigh of relief for Israel.
The second half started well for the hosts, and they were close to doubling the lead, but Manor Solomon was denied from close range.
But when you fail to take your chances, your opposition can pounce.
An irresponsible backpass by Shlomo was too short for his goalkeeper to reach, and was pounced on by Albert Rosas who slotted it in the net.
It's not a walk in the park for Israel, who is leading 2-1 against Andorra after 70 minutes#Euro2024Qualifiers
— BabaGol (@BabaGol_) June 19, 2023
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📸 @NickieLiberman with stunning photos and @shaulig caught Andorra's goal!! pic.twitter.com/BKhvoaUA5c
A huge moment for Andorra.
But just after the hour mark, the difference in quality between the two sides was made clear.
Solomon scored with a great solo effort, dribbling past a few players on the left wing before moving to the right and blasting it in.
It was a goal we have seen from him a few times this season in the Premier League with Fulham.
From that moment on, Israel kept the game under control, knowing this wasn't their best day but ultimately wanting to take the three points home.
The game ended 2-1. It wasn't pretty, it wasn't impressive, and there is a lot of work to do if they want to progress to Euro 2024
But, after tonight's win and Romania’s draw with Switzerland, things are looking tight in Group I.
On 9 September, Israel and Romania go head-to-head in Bucharest, with both sides having the opportunity to gain control of second place in the group.
Edited by Alex Smith
It was far from being easy, but Israel get the 3 points in the end#Euro2024Qualifiers
— BabaGol (@BabaGol_) June 19, 2023
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📸 @NickieLiberman & @shaulig pic.twitter.com/M7AAQ99aYB
