Israel defeated, but score historic European goal

Israel’s women’s U19 team scored their first ever goal at the European Championships – though it wasn’t enough to prevent them from losing their final group game of the competition.

Having already lost to France and Sweden, the Israelis ended their campaign with a 100 percent losing record, though did net their first ever goal when Eden Avital fired them into a 22nd miniute lead, much to the delight of the 2,300 fans in Lod. erupted.

However, Sweden equalised soon after through Nicoline Sørensen, before she scored the winner on the hour mark.

Israel coach Guy Azouri said: “We lost but that was a special moment, Eden’s goal. It was reward for two years of hard work. I was so happy. We brought this amazing tournament to Israel and hosted it the best we could; with the football we produced I think we can be proud of Israel women’s football. Now we must keep up the momentum and get more girls on the pitch.”