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Israel began its 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Estonia on Saturday, securing three crucial points to start on the right foot.
The blue-and-white came from behind to clinch the win, with captain Eli Dasa netting the decisive goal in the 75th minute. Due to ongoing security concerns in Israel, the home match was held at Debrecen’s Nagyerdei Stadion in Hungary.
Estonia struck first, as Maksim Pakotsi converted a set-piece opportunity in the 10th minute to give his team an early lead. However, Israel responded with relentless pressure and found the equalizer just 14 minutes later.
Dan Biton’s powerful shot from outside the box ricocheted off the post, striking Estonian goalkeeper Karl Hein before finding the back of the net.
Despite multiple opportunities from Oscar Gloukh, Manor Solomon, Muhammed Abu Fani, and Biton, Israel struggled to find a second goal.
The breakthrough finally arrived when Solomon delivered a precise pass to Dasa, who fired past Hein to secure victory for Ran Ben Shimon’s side.
The goal marked Dasa’s first-ever strike for the national team in 66 appearances, making the moment all the more significant.
Ben Shimon: “An Important Victory”
Reflecting on the match, head coach Ran Ben Shimon acknowledged the challenges his squad faced but praised the team’s resilience.
“A lot of things went wrong in the game,” Ben Shimon admitted. “This is a tough opponent that will make life difficult for other teams. But overall, we were fine, and I have no doubt that we will improve without the pressure of this being the first game. It’s a very important victory, which also keeps us grounded as we now turn our sights to the next match.”
The coach also commended Dasa’s leadership, noting his captain’s influence on and off the pitch.
“His talk with the players before the game already showed where this match was going for him. He is a real captain. He deserves all the success in the world because he works so hard.”
Dasa dedicated his goal to his daughter and expressed his elation at finally scoring for the national team.
“It’s a dream come true,” Dasa said. “I’m very emotional because, after 66 appearances, scoring my first goal for the national team is every kid’s dream. I fulfilled a childhood dream, and I’m happy that it came in a victory.”
Next Challenge: Norway and Erling Haaland
Israel now shifts focus to its next fixture against Norway on Tuesday. The Norwegians come into the game with confidence after thrashing Moldova 5-0 and boast one of the world’s top strikers in Erling Haaland.
Dasa urged his teammates to remain focused ahead of the difficult encounter.
“Some people thought Estonia would be an easy game, but I do not agree with that. We must make sure no one underestimates Norway. They are an excellent team, and this will be a completely different match. Now, it’s time to recover and prepare.”
Solomon, who assisted Dasa’s goal, echoed similar sentiments.
“We started the game well but missed a chance and then conceded, which took away some of our confidence. After we made it 1-1, I knew in my heart that we would win. We will now analyze the game, recover, and start preparing for Norway, which will be a completely different match against some of the best players in the world. We will be ready.”
With three points secured, Israel will look to build momentum in their upcoming clash against Norway as they aim to take another step toward World Cup qualification.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
