Guy Azouri picked the positives out of Israel’s run at the Women’s under-19 European Championship as the hosts finished bottom of their group.
Defeats against Sweden and France, who qualified for the semi-finals, ended Israel’s hopes of reaching the last four on home soil, although they managed to score in their final match – a 2-1 loss against Denmark. Eden Avital became Israel’s first goal-scorer in the finals.
Israel coach Guy Azouri said: “I’m disappointed with the results but it shows the improvement of football in Israel. What those girls have done at the academy over the past two years is amazing.
“They were used to losing 10-0 and upwards, and now they don’t just play, they compete. They fight for 90 minutes every match and play with a lot of courage.
“Eden’s goal was a special moment. We brought this amazing tournament to Israel and hosted it the best we could; with the football we produced I think we can be proud of Israel women's football. Now we must keep up the momentum and get more girls on the pitch."
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