Israeli Pride: Orian Goren Makes Debut for Barcelona Senior Team
The 17-year-old talent came on as a substitute in the 62nd minute during the Blaugrana's pre-season match against Birmingham, which ended in a 2:2 draw and a penalty shootout loss. With many key players away for the World Cup, Hansi Flick has provided opportunities to several young prospects.
Orian Goren, a 17-year-old Israeli midfielder, made his unofficial debut this evening (Friday) for the Barcelona senior team. Goren is currently participating in the squad's pre-season preparations, and their opening match against Birmingham, a club from the English second division, ended in a 3:2 defeat in a penalty shootout following a 2:2 draw in regulation time. Goren was not among the penalty takers.
The Israeli entered the pitch from Hansi Flick's bench in the 62nd minute while Barca held a 2:1 lead. Many young players are currently featuring for the Spanish champions, as several squad members have yet to return from the World Cup break.
Birmingham took a surprising lead in the 31st minute through a goal by August Priske. However, 18-year-old Egyptian talent Hamza Abd al-Karim turned the game around with a brace (42nd and 60th minutes), the first of which came from the penalty spot. John Solis leveled the score at 2:2 in the 68th minute, with Goren already on the pitch.
In the stands sat none other than Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham. The Englishman grew up in Birmingham and spent part of the match wearing the shirt of his boyhood club.
