Maccabi’s goalkeeper Daniel Peretz saved two penalties and Dor Turgeman scored a spectacular solo effort as Israel who were reduced to 10 men for the entire second half salvaged a 1-1 draw from Germany in their opening Under 21 European Championship finals.
Peretz was drawn into action as early as the second minute when fellow Maccabi teammate Roy Revivo was judged to fouled Germany’s Kevin Schade inside the area. With no VAR to spot Schade’s dive and save Revivo from conceding a penalty, French referee Willy Delajod awarded a spot kick. With technology not available throughout the tournament, Peretz came to the rescue as he saved Youssoufa Moukuku penalty to keep his goal locked.
In the 13th minute, Turgeman almost exploited a mistake in the German defense as the Maccabi striker had a shot on goal but goalkeeper Noah Atubolu managed to block the effort.
Seven minutes later no one could stop Turgeman as the 18-year-old Maccabi striker gave Israel the lead. Oscar Gloukh sent Turgeman through before the striker broke into the area, shrugged off Yann Bissek with a spectacular turn and blasted a left foot shot past Atubolu.
In the 26th minute the Germans were back on level terms as Bissek rose above Israel’s defense to head Angelo Stillers free kick past Peretz from close range.
On the stroke of halftime Eden Kartzev who was booked in the 38th minute received his second booking to leave his teammates with 10 men for the remainder of the game.
Five minutes after the hour mark, Turgeman, who worked tirelessly upfront was replaced by Idan Toklomati but 13 minutes Germany were awarded another penalty. This time Jessic Ngankam stepped-up, but once again Peretz saved the penalty to deny the Hertha Berlin forward and allow Israel to hang on and celebrate a hard-fought point at the end.
Speaking to UEFA.COM after the match, Peretz said: “We have made a good start. We came as the underdogs and got the point. When you play with ten players for almost 55 or 60 minutes including added time, we made an amazing team effort with one man less. I am just so proud of the players and all the squad and staff who made this achievement.”
On the two penalties he saved, Peretz added: “As in every game, I analyze penalties. I am happy I did the job for the team, it’s an achievement. It was an amazing effort. I saw them running and giving all their heart, in every ball, in every second, with cramps, with injuries – and I just feel so proud.”
Ahead of Sunday’s second group match against England that beat Czech Republic in the corresponding match, Peretz said: “My first thoughts when I came to this tournament were to play against the highest quality players in the world for our age, some amazing players playing in some of the best leagues in the world. It’s an amazing stage to come and show your qualities.”
