One of the best stories from the 2014 World Lacrosse Championships was the emergence of countries, nations earning more success than what was expected. When thinking about this, three teams stand out the most to me.
Israel
Turmoil and unsettled conditions in Israel led to high security surrounding the team in Denver. Rather than be a distraction, the team rallied together and took playing for its country to a new level. The World Lacrosse Championship debut was highly successful as Israel made the six-team postseason and ended up finishing seventh. Israel rolled through pool play, beginning 5-0 before falling to Australia and England of the Blue Division, each by only a single goal. Israel wrapped up the tournament with a 15-10 win over Japan in the seventh-place game. By all accounts, Israel’s tournament was incredibly successful. Even more important than dominating the likes of Sweden, Slovakia and Korea was the fact that Israel competed very admirably with Blue Division foes. Israel proved itself as a force to be reckoned with in international lacrosse.
Scotland
Scotland improved just by the fact that it earned a spot in the Blue Division for the 2018 World Championships. Scotland finished in the top six of the 2010 championships, but was bumped from the Blue Division for 2014 due to the Iroquois competing. Scotland earned its way back into the Blue Division, finishing sixth once again (bumping Japan from Blue for 2018). Like Israel, Scotland also finished 6-2 and won its first five games, including the first three by margins of 21, 14 and 10 goals, respectively. Scotland also lost a slim 10-8 final to the highly-talented Iroquois Nationals, defeated Japan of the Blue Division and lost a slim 15-13 final to England.
Uganda
I can’t say I’m familiar with Uganda lacrosse and can’t speak of the country’s expectations, but I include them on this list just by the sole fact they weren’t only the first representatives from Africa, but they also won two games, finishing 34th. From the country’s first goal (against Ireland) to its first win (10-9 over Korea), Uganda’s representation in these games mark a huge moment for the growth of lacrosse.
