The successful and wonderful Grand Prix in Ramle concluded with drama in the final match and an unforgettable ceremony.
These were exciting days in the World League, and there’s no doubt that the Grand Prix held in Ramle was a successful, amazing, and groundbreaking event regarding the World league and its rankings. The Israeli team, the rising and new force in the World League, showcased monstrous abilities by easily defeating Brazil and Hungary.
In the match for second place in the Grand Prix between the two teams that were defeated by Israel, Brazil came back from a 3:1 deficit to end the game in a 3:3 draw, thanks to an excellent performance by Beto. In the penalty shootout, goalkeeper Marcelo saved two shots, securing second place for the Seleção, who finished the Grand Prix on a high note.
Following the match, an emotional and colorful closing ceremony took place in the presence of the Mayor of Ramle, Mr. Michael Vidal, the commissioner of the league Salvatore Primicerio, and the Israeli Foreign Minister, Mr. Gideon Sa'ar, who honored the event with his presence.
The event was hosted by the well-known Israeli radio personality, Dan Kaner, whose distinctive voice accompanied the closing ceremony.The Hungarian team received bronze medals and will return to Budapest with many thoughts, while the Brazilian team will also undergo a restructuring ahead of the next Grand Prix, which will be held in their home country. And above all, Israel—the sensation of the World League.
The tournament MVP, Shachak Ben Shabat, received the award from the hands of the international Israeli tennis player Yishai Oliel after winning a vote held among his teammates Asael Ben Shabat, Miliardo Asrat and Ben Ben Yair.
Coach Oved Kraus was named the tournament's coach (awarded his title by the Olympic bronze medalist Avishag Samberg), and he is the man behind the remarkable performance of his team, which shocked many by being several levels above the two teams that were ranked first in the world league before the tournament.The captain of the Israeli team, Joey Demos, lifted the Grand Prix trophy as the Israeli anthem was played again.
At the end of the ceremony, a friendly match took place between the World Team and the Peace Team, which was made up of Jewish and Arab players who play for one of the youth teams in the city of Ramle.