The coach of the Ukrainian women’s team talks about the victory over Kosovo and preparation for the game with Croatia
Head coach Women’s national football team of Ukraine Vladimir Pyatenko commented on the team’s confident victory over Kosovo (4:0) in the 5th round of the selection for European Championship 2025.
“Today we outplayed our opponents, we practically didn’t give them a chance to leave our own half of the field. Everyone did a huge amount of work. We made substitutions during the break – we took care of the girls who were on yellow cards.”
“Did you implement the game plan? Yes, the girls did well. We got together a little earlier, trained in the mode after the vacation, to get the footballers into the game tone. Although there were moments in the second half – we could have scored, but we did not realize them. Less, but they were there.”
“This will also give you confidence in yourself and in your partners. [перед матчем с Хорватией]. These victories are necessary. The team is already gradually improving its control over the game.”
“We reorganized a bit in the second half. The first half was costly. We saved our energy before the game with Croatia.”
“I think we prepared well for the match. In the first game [с Косово] We didn’t realize a lot, but here the realization has improved. This is the merit of the girls, they are more confident in themselves after the matches with Wales. Realization is [следствие] self-confidence.”
“What are the team’s goals in the last match? Victory. We go out to every game with the desire to win and bring positivity not only to ourselves, but also to the fans. I told the girls before the game that if we bring positivity to at least someone in Ukraine with our play, then we have accomplished our task. And positivity means victories. They know who they are playing for.”
The Ukrainian national team with 8 points in its assets occupies the third place in Group 4 of League B, behind Croatia and Wales. Pyatenko’s team has reached the playoffs ahead of schedule. On July 16, the Ukrainians will meet Croatia in the final round and determine the final place in the tournament table.
According to the regulations, the teams that finish first in the four groups of League B and the two best teams that finish second in League B will play against the remaining two teams that finish second and the four teams that finish third in League B. The six teams that overcome this playoff barrier will play in the final stage of the selection against opponents that will advance along Path A and Path C. The top seven will eventually qualify for the 2025 European Championship. Two playoff rounds will take place in October-December 2024.
Source: Sportarena

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