Both teams lost a chance for a bronze medal in nearly identical fashion, losing to Germany. The men lost 38-33, while the women were beaten 24-12.
By JERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
The Israeli men and women’s teams left it all on the field, but failed to medal as both squads reached the medal round but lost their semifinal and bronze-medal matches.Both teams lost a chance for a bronze medal in nearly identical fashion, losing to Germany. The men lost 38-33, while the women were beaten 24-12.The semifinals did not go well for either Israeli team as each fell to the reigning European champions. The men played first and were blown out by Denmark 41-8 after losing to the same team by only four points in the opening round.The women played Austria even until 30 seconds to go and lost 19-12. The Israeli women drove to within striking distance, but the game ended with the blue-and-white on the 20 yard line. It was a statement game for the Israeli women, who were blown out 54-0 by Austria on the tournament’s opening day.Both Israeli teams began the final day with quarterfinal wins, as the men beat Italy 40-34 and the women knocked off Denmark 19-6. It was the first time Israel beat Italy in international competition and it was a major accomplishment against the world No. 3.The men finished the opening round with a 3-2 record, losing close games to Denmark and France while beating Switzerland, Holland and Spain. The women had a weak opening day record of 2-3, but roared back on day two with three wins to finish the group stage with a record of 5-3.Austria beat France 44-15 in the women’s final, with the Austrians falling 52-8 to Denmark for men’s gold.Israeli quarterback Shana Sprung was named tournament MVP for the women’s event.
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