Israel's Euro 2024 Dream Crushed by Iceland in Qualifying Match; Ukraine Secures Spot with Remarkable Comeback

Israel's dream of qualifying for Euro 2024 came to an end when they lost 4-1 to Iceland in the playoff semifinal on Thursday.

The match started positively for Israel with Eran Zahavi, the team's top goal scorer, scoring from a penalty just over 30 minutes into the game.

photo illustration by Alberto Mier/CNN/getty

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Iceland was able to take the lead going into half-time thanks to two quick goals from Albert Guðmundsson and Arnór Ingvi Traustason.

With more than 15 minutes left in the game, Israel found themselves down to 10 men when Roy Revivo was given a red card for a reckless tackle on Arnór Sigurðsson.

But Zahavi missed a golden opportunity to equalize the scores with only 10 minutes remaining. Despite being awarded another penalty, he failed to convert the chance, sending his shot wide of the post and reacting in disappointment.

As a result of Zahavi's miss, Israel suffered a late collapse as Guðmundsson netted two goals in the closing minutes, completing his hat-trick and securing a remarkable victory for Iceland. The win puts Iceland in a strong position to qualify for their first major tournament since the 2018 World Cup.

Israel was originally set to play as the home team in the qualifier, but they have been playing their matches in Hungary because of the conflict in Gaza.

On the other hand, Iceland will be going up against Ukraine in the Euro 2024 qualifier after Ukraine made a remarkable late comeback to defeat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-1 on Thursday.

After a mistake by Mykola Matviyenko resulted in an own goal, Bosnia took the lead early in the second half. It seemed like Ukraine was close to being eliminated.

But, in a dramatic turn of events, Roman Yaremchuk and Artem Dobvyk scored goals within three minutes before the end of the game. This sudden change in scoreline kept Ukraine's hopes alive for qualifying for their fourth consecutive European Championship.

Ukraine produced a late comeback to advance.

Ukraine produced a late comeback to advance.

Amel Emric/Reuters

Ukraine will be designated as the home team against Iceland, but Tuesday’s match will be played in Wrocław, Poland, due to Russia’s ongoing invasion.

Elsewhere, Wales will host Poland and Greece will travel to Georgia in the other Euro 2024 playoff finals.

Euro 2024 will be played in Germany from June 14 to July 14.

Editor's P/S:

The Euro 2024 playoff semi-finals culminated in a captivating clash between Israel and Iceland, with Iceland ultimately triumphing 4-1. Israel's hopes of reaching the tournament were dashed, while Iceland secured a place in the final against Ukraine. Despite Israel's promising start with Eran Zahavi's penalty, Iceland's resilience and clinical finishing proved too much to overcome.

The match also highlighted the geopolitical backdrop of the conflict in Gaza, with Israel forced to play their matches in Hungary. Ukraine's emotional victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina showcased their determination and resilience amidst the ongoing Russian invasion. The tournament's final four will be completed by Wales facing Poland and Greece challenging Georgia, setting the stage for more intense and decisive matches as the road to Euro 2024 continues. Ukraine will be determined to qualify for their fourth consecutive European Championship, proving their status as a formidable force in international football.