Israel ties Romania 1-1 as they fight to qualify for 2024 Euro soccer tourney
After draw, Blues and Whites remain a point behind Romanian team for second place in qualifying group, with the two top finishers set to continue on to European championship
Israel tied Romania 1-1 Saturday evening, as the national soccer teams jockey to qualify for next year’s UEFA European Football Championship.
The squads came into the game with Israel trailing Romania by a point for second place in their qualifying group, of which the top two finishers will punch their tickets to the 2024 tournament in Germany.
Switzerland, which leads the group, also came to a draw in its game Saturday against Kosovo, leaving the point differential atop with Romania and Israel unchanged.
In the other contest in Israel’s group, Belarus and Andorra tied 0-0.
The Swiss squad now has 11 points, followed by Romania (9), Israel (8), Belarus (4), Kosovo (4) and Andorra (2).
Romania scored first against Israel, going up 1-0 in the first half on a goal by Dennis Alibec, before Israel equalized after halftime when Oscar Glouhk scored.
Israel took twice as many shots as Romania and dominated possession, but the Blues and Whites were unable to capitalize and the sides finished the match in the Romanian capital Bucharest with one goal apiece.
While Israel’s spot at the 2024 Euros has yet to be guaranteed, it will be playing at the 2024 Olympics in Paris for just the third time in the country’s history after the Under-21 team beat England in a tournament this summer.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
