Israel’s Under-21 team produced one of its most memorable performances in recent years late Tuesday night, overturning an early deficit to stun the Netherlands 3-1 in Euro 2027 qualifying.
After collecting just three points from the first four matches, Guy Luzon’s side showed remarkable character in Budapest, climbing temporarily into second place in Group G and injecting new life into its campaign.
The Dutch struck first in the 15th minute when Jayden Addai weaved through the Israeli defense and fired a powerful shot into the far corner. But Luzon’s players regrouped and equalized in the 36th minute, when Muhammad Abu Rumi received the ball inside the box and calmly slotted home.
Just as the teams seemed headed for halftime, Israel completed the turnaround. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Ran Binyamin pounced from close range to put the blue-and-white ahead. Substitute Yanay Distelfeld sealed the victory in the 81st minute, blasting in from the edge of the area after a sharp feed from captain Tai Abed, giving Luzon his first win of the campaign.
“A huge victory against one of the best national teams in Europe,” Luzon said afterward. “These are players starring at top clubs across the continent, and our guys showed unbelievable character. From the very first moment, we believed this was possible. There’s a real team here, a real core. In all our matches, we’ve shown we’re not inferior to anyone. This is one of the greatest wins the Olympic team has ever had, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
The coach praised his squad for how they responded to the earlier loss to Norway.
“Even after that defeat, we talked, encouraged each other, fixed what needed fixing, and never stopped believing. To get results in a group like this, everyone has to rise to another level – and we did. I don’t know if in Israel’s history we’ve ever taken four points from the Netherlands in two games. It’s unforgettable.”
Goalkeeper Dor Benyamini echoed the theme of belief and determination.
'We’re a team of winners – we believed all the way'
“We’re a team of winners – we believed all the way,” he said. “From the Norway game that didn’t end as we hoped, we came here knowing we would give everything, for the pride of a country going through a difficult time. We’re here to stay and here to qualify for the European Championship.”
He credited the Israeli supporters who filled the stands in Budapest.
“It was amazing. Their support throughout the match helped us keep the momentum. We can’t wait to play in Israel again with our fans behind us.”
Benymini said the team realized they could beat the Dutch as soon as they responded to the early setback.
“After we conceded, we raised our level and pushed it one step further. No one eased off, no matter that it was the Netherlands. The staff instilled belief in us – already at halftime, they gave us an incredible drive. Guy is a winner who instills that in all of us from the second we walk into the dressing room.”
Abed, who supplied the assist for the third goal, said the victory was one he had been waiting for.
“I believed in it so much. I always told my teammates we were going to break them,” he said. “This win is for all of Israel. In a game like this you don’t give 200%, you give 1,000%. Everyone did. Even beforehand, I felt the players were sharp and hungry. We have a special character, and you saw it after we conceded.”
Abed highlighted the staff’s preparation as a key factor.
“We were tactically ready. The coaches did a great job lifting us after Norway. And the players deserve credit – we looked like a real team out there.”
He added that the group’s mentality separates them.
“I always believe, no matter who we play. We have something not everyone has – heart, connection, belief. When they led, it felt like it could have ended right there, but we rose above it and came back. Before the match, Guy showed us a motivational video from Ireland. It fired us up for this game and will help us for Bosnia as well.”
With renewed confidence and momentum, Israel now turns its focus to March’s crucial clash with Bosnia, carrying one of its most meaningful performances in years into the heart of the Euro 2027 qualifying campaign.