La Plata, located approximately 60 km from Buenos Aires could soon make Israeli sports history with the under-20 team's historic Final Four. If one is looking for inspiration, the city is adorned with numerous portraits of Argentine soccer start Diego Maradona on various buildings.
(ILTV)
Meanwhile, Argentina, recent World Cup champions, is focused on Leo Messi's impending move to David Beckham's Inter Miami team in the United States.
As one approaches La Plata, a bustling city with a population of 600,000, the atmosphere seems rather lackluster compared to the impending spectacle that will unfold today .
However, as you draw nearer to the stadium bearing Maradona's name, the anticipation intensifies. With that in mind, tickets have already been completely sold out, with 53,000 eager spectators. The demand was so high that tickets with a face value of $5 were being resold on the black market for a staggering $150, a 3,000% markup!
The Uruguayan team's match against Israel, which begins Thursday at 20:30 Israel time, has ignited a wave of excitement throughout their nation. However, what sets them apart is the convenience of a two-hour ferry ride for the 15,000 Uruguayan fans attending the game, in stark contrast to the thousands of kilometers separating Argentina and Israel.
Despite this, in recent days, a collective journey took place, primarily consisting of players' families and coach Ofir Haim, who received additional support from his children, Gal and Shay.
Although it is the Youth World Cup, it is worth noting that two soccer powerhouses, Uruguay and Italy, both former winners of the adult World Cup, have reached the semi-finals. In the second match (midnight Israel time), Italy will face South Korea.
Obtaining tickets for the semi-finals and finals, scheduled for Sunday, has become a non-starter. Numerous members of the Jewish community, travelers, and even parents of players, including Haim Revivo, who surprised his son Roi upon arrival in Argentina, are struggling to secure the coveted tickets. The association's chairman, Shino Zoaretz, who arrived yesterday, is making efforts to assist them.
Watch Israel's journey to the final four:
Israel's team prepares
During the press conference held at the coaches' stadium on Wednesday, a sense of calm prevailed, and Haim expressed a resolute message: "Uruguay is a formidable football force that consistently produces talented players, and we anticipate a challenging match.
"However, we will not surrender. We have faith in ourselves and will exert every effort to reach the final. Our style of play revolves around ball possession and fluid movement. Although the pitch did not meet our expectations, we refuse to use it as an excuse," he said.
"Both teams will exhibit immense determination and passion. I am not prepared to accept defeat without giving it our all. If we lose to a superior team, that's all right. We have the support of an entire nation, and we will strive to create moments of joy," he added.
Following the press conference, the national team players made a grand entrance accompanied by blaring police sirens, ensuring that the entire city was aware of their presence.
Despite the modest training complex, which seems inadequate for a soccer-loving country like Argentina, the Israeli national team exudes an incredible energy. They have defied expectations, progressing into the fifth week of their journey, surpassing fears of an early exit.
Prior to the start of training, Roi Revivo shares a moment with his father Haim, while the players are filled with excitement. These same players, who experienced the thrill of a victory against Brazil, are now close to capturing an historic and unfathomable World Cup victory.
Thai Abed, the sole foreign player on the team, is eagerly anticipated for his breakthrough performance. As a key figure in the PSV Eindhoven youth squad, he played a pivotal role in securing the Dutch championship, showcasing his skills by being their top scorer and top assist provider.
Abed's significance becomes even more pronounced due to the likely absence of the injured Ariel Lugassi. Coach Haim is deliberating between Omer Senior and Hamza Shibli as potential replacements in the lineup. Numerous scouts closely observe the matches, recognizing the Israeli players' previously unknown talent and the enticing prospect of their relatively low release clauses.
Get to know your opponent
Uruguay has a notable track record in the tournament, having reached the finals in 1997 and 2013, although they ended up as runners-up on both occasions. In 2017, they secured a fourth-place finish.
Few nations demonstrate such dedication and reap as many rewards from the competition. Notably, Uruguay's senior national team's accomplishments in the 21st century can be attributed to significant investments made in their youth teams.
However, Uruguay faces a few challenges leading up to the match against Israel. Their prominent player, Luciano Rodriguez from Liverpool Montevideo (Yes, there's a club by that name), has received a two-game suspension, while right-back Mateo Ponte is currently injured.
In light of these circumstances, Uruguay has even requested to include their third goalkeeper as an outfield player, as they have only 14 fit players available, leaving room for only three potential substitutions.
After a strong start to the tournament with a convincing 4:0 victory over Iraq, Uruguay faced a setback with a 3:2 defeat against England. The decisive group stage match saw them secure a single goal victory over Tunisia, thanks to a penalty in the 93rd minute, securing their place in the round of 16.
In the subsequent round, Uruguay faced a tense match against Gambia, with red cards for both sides. However, a crucial winning goal by 19-year-old striker Anderson Duarte, in his debut for the team, secured Uruguay's spot in the quarter-finals. There, they achieved a remarkable 2-0 victory against the formidable USA team.
The current Uruguayan youth team bears a striking resemblance to the squad that came agonizingly close to winning the Copa America in February. Despite ultimately being defeated by Brazil, who themselves were later eliminated by Israel, there is some positive news for the Israeli team.
Uruguay appears to be slightly weaker this time around, as Real Madrid opted not to release their talented striker Alvaro Rodriguez for the tournament. Additionally, the designated replacement, Andres Ferrari, sustained an injury, further compromising Uruguay's attacking prowess.
3 View gallery
Celebrating a historic victory over Brazil
(Photo: Buda Mendes/FIFA via Getty Images)
Leading the Uruguayan national team with his immense talent is Fabricio Diaz, the 20-year-old captain and midfielder from Liverpool Montevideo. According to Transfermarkt, he holds the highest market value of 5 million euros among all the players on the team.
Diaz excelled in the knockout stage matches, shining a light on Uruguay's organizational emphasis in their matches, showcasing his exceptional passing ability and game control. Thus, he will likely be Israel's main tactical focal point in their attempt to eliminate another South American powerhouse.
Securing a championship in a football-crazed nation like Argentina, where the spirit of the game permeates every aspect of society, with iconic figures like Maradona and Messi adorning every corner, holds a far greater sense of prestige compared to a country like Indonesia, which declined to host due to Israel's involvement.
"These could be the defining moments of your careers, something that will stay with you forever," Haim encouraged the players before training. "Uruguay boasts a rich tradition and a formidable team, but we are equally worthy of this challenge."
First published: 12:59, 06.08.23