Ekhad haboltim haya tal brodi. Umeyaz, hi zakhta shuv 39 p'amim nosafot, lrabot hashana. Hashana hi hitkharta bmiskhak khatsi hagmar neged panatinekos meyatuna. Few Israeli athletes or teams are internationally known, but die-hard Israeli sports fans nevertheless follow their activities and hope for better results to come. While Israelis participate in most major sports, soccer and basketball are the most popular.
Soccer captures the most enthusiastic fans.
Televised soccer matches on Saturday night are to many Israelis what Monday Night Football is for many Americans. The all-time highest ratings registered on Israeli television occurred during the 1998 World Cup Final between France and Brazil. Israeli teams compete in international events, while many communities have teams whose success is vital to local fans. Communities and the government promote youth programs to continue soccer's development. Israel's Under 16 and Under 18 teams have enjoyed some success in international competition, culminating in a bronze medal for the Under 16 team at the European Championships in 1996.