The coach emphasizes the character of his players
Team coach Ukraine U-17 Yuriy Moroz summed up the results of the first round of selection for Euro 2025.
“I was pleasantly surprised by the team’s mood for the game with the Belgians, despite the fact that the goals had already been achieved. Yes, we were happy with a draw, but if the guys had been a little smarter in attacks and counterattacks, the result could have been completely different. The goalkeepers of both teams played well. In my opinion, a draw would be the most logical result.”
“Losing to the Kosovo team in the opening match – 0:2, the guys showed all their best qualities, not only turning the tide of the match, but also showing meaningful football. I can’t help but note the character of the team in the match with Kazakhstan. The game was difficult. The opponent defended well, ran well into counterattacks, and the Kazakhs created a lot of problems for us. However, patience and desire helped the Ukrainian team achieve maximum results.”
“However, our team deserves the best praise. Well done guys. And here I would once again like to thank the coaching staffs of the clubs who prepare football players for the national team. And already in the national team itself we are trying to achieve the maximum of what the guys received in their teams.”
“Now all the teams are approximately equal, some are helped by luck, others have a better bench, maybe a little more talented performers, and sometimes it’s these nuances that make up the result.”
“Our task is to unite the team into one whole, give a certain direction, structure of the game and motivate the team. There is enough work. Our players themselves are great, but after the last match of the qualifying round, I told my players that if you want to achieve any heights in football, you should never stop there. Every day you need to work at your maximum, both in the club and in the national team.”
“The psychological aspect is very important here. When you face strong opponents in the first round and you don’t concede many goals, that’s a good sign. There are a lot of nuances in youth football. Everything must come together in a certain place and at a certain time. You need to respect your opponent, but at the same time remain yourself.”
The Ukrainian team made it to the second round of qualifying for Euro 2025. In the first qualification, the blue-yellows defeated Kosovo (4:2) and Kazakhstan (3:0), but lost to Belgium (1:2). Nevertheless, Ukraine secured the final second place in the group, and with it access to the next round of selection.
The draw for the second round of qualifying for Euro 2025 will take place in December.
Source: Sportarena
I’m Scott Moore, a professional writer and journalist based in the US. I’ve been writing for various publications for over 8 years now, and have been working as an author at athletistic for the past five years. My work has been featured by some of the leading sports websites and magazines across Europe.
