Romania Clinches Euro 2024 Spot with 2-1 Win Over Israel in Qualifying

 Romania Clinches Euro 2024 Spot with 2-1 Win Over Israel in Qualifying

Eran Zahavi of Israel on the ball during the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between Israel and Romania at Puskas Akademia Pancho Arena on November 18, 2023 in Felcsut near Budapest, Hungary(Image-Getty)

In a Group I qualifying clash, Romania secured their spot at Euro 2024 by overcoming an early deficit to claim a 2-1 victory against Israel in a closely contested match held in Hungary on Saturday.

Eran Zahavi swiftly put Israel in the lead, scoring a header from an unmarked position after a corner just 90 seconds into the match. Romania responded ten minutes later when George Puscas headed in a rebound off the woodwork, leveling the score.

The decisive moment came in the 63rd minute when Ianis Hagi secured the win for Romania with a low shot from a tight angle inside the box.

Tensions escalated towards the end as Romania's Valentin Mihaila received a red card five minutes from time for a tackle on Dor Turgeman.

As a result, Israel falls short of securing a top-two finish in the group, and they will now move into the playoffs for another opportunity to qualify for next year's finals in Germany.