Israel began its’ U-20 World Cup finals with dramatic late 2-1 defeat to Colombia in opening Group C match of the tournament at La Plata, Argentina.
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s representatives played a key role as Roy Revivo won a penalty from which Dor Turgeman gave Israel a 57th minute lead. Turgeman successfully beat Colombia’s keeper Luis Marquinez who denied Maccabi’s young striker from scoring a second in the 65th minute.
Oscar Cortes equalized from the penalty spot to bring Colombians back into the game.
Roy Navi was introduced in the 74th minute and Turgeman bowed out on 83 with Shon Edri remaining on the bench as an unused substitute. But as the match was reaching its’ closing stages Gustavo Puerta scored a 90th minute winner for the Colombians to inflict Israel a cruel defeat.
The other corresponding match of Group C saw Japan record a 1-0 victory over Israel’s next opponents Senegal.