Following historic World Cup run, Israeli U-21 soccer team advances to Euro semifinals after victory over Georgia

Israel’s Under-21 soccer squad has advanced for the first time ever to the European Championship semifinals following a victory over the host nation Georgia on Saturday. Israel won the match in a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout after neither team scored during regular time.

Israeli goalkeeper Daniel Peretz won the Man of the Match award for his several game-saving achievements.

“He made several excellent saves during the match, as well as one in the shootout,” the Union of European Football Association said in a statement. “He also showed safe hands to repeatedly claim crosses,” the UEFA added.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised the Israeli team.

“Congratulates on the incredible win!” Herzog tweeted, highlighting the Israeli team’s “determination and willpower.”

“Good luck in the Euro semifinals, we’re behind you,” Herzog added.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also hailed the Israeli team’s “incredible achievement.”

The Jewish state will face either England or Portugal in the semifinal on Wednesday. Israel’s sensational advancement to the semifinal comes after its victory over the Czech Republic on Wednesday, helping them to qualify for the quarterfinal.

The Israeli U-21 team, however, was ranked at the bottom of its group but the margins were on the Israeli team’s side after England defeated the defending champion, Germany, enabling Israel to advance to the quarterfinal.

In June, the Jewish state’s U-20 soccer team made history by winning the bronze medal in the World Cup after defeating soccer powers such as Brazil.