When Israel's Under-21s Shocked France to Reach the 2007 Euro

Twenty years ago, Israel's under-21 national football team achieved one of the most stunning upsets in international football history by eliminating a star-studded France squad to qualify for the 2007 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.

A Generation of Stars Stopped in Their Tracks

Coached by Guy Levy, the Israeli youth team welcomed France to Herzliya following a hard-fought 1-1 draw in the first leg played in Caen. On paper, the disparity between the two squads was immense. The French roster, managed by René Girard, boasted future global superstars including Karim Benzema, Samir Nasri, Steve Mandanda, Blaise Matuidi, Lassana Diarra, and Rio Mavuba. French media and coaching staff viewed this generation as the future backbone of the senior national team.

However, Israel had already established a reputation as a difficult opponent for the French youth side, having previously defeated them 3-2 in March 2005. Girard had warned his players ahead of the matches not to underestimate the disciplined Israeli squad, describing their tactical setup as a web that stifles opponents.

The Dramatic Finale in Herzliya

During the return leg in Herzliya, France dominated possession and pressed hard for the opening goal, with Jimmy Briand and Albin Ebondo coming close, while goalkeeper Tom Almadon kept Israel in the match with crucial saves. Girard introduced substitutes including Benzema and Florent Sinama Pongolle to break the deadlock, but the Israeli defense held firm.

In the 89th minute, substitute Amir Taga entered the pitch. Four minutes later, deep into stoppage time, Toto Tamuz launched a counterattack and fired a shot that was parried by the French defense. Taga reacted quickest to the rebound, slotting the ball into the back of the net to secure a 1-0 victory on the night and a 2-1 aggregate triumph.

A Lingering Memory in French Football

The shocking elimination left the French squad devastated, with defender Ronald Zubar famously describing the result as a disgrace. Over the years, prominent French publications such as L'Équipe and So Foot have frequently revisited the match, citing the Herzliya defeat as one of the darkest moments in the history of the French under-21 setup.