Mikhailenko: We must first try to reach the semifinals, and then we will aim for something more

The opponents of the Ukrainian U-19 national team in the group stage of the 2024 European Youth Championship will be Northern Ireland, Norway and Italy

Head coach Ukrainian national team U-19 Dmitry Mikhailenko commented on key aspects of the team’s work before European Youth Championship 2024.

“First of all, I want to emphasize that we are doing everything to ensure that our players join the ranks of the first team. We are trying to play modern football – the kind that the national team plays. We encourage football players, first of all, not to worry, not be afraid to make mistakes and play modern football.

“What do we mean by this? Act from a position of strength, even if we are playing against a very good opponent, do not be afraid, do not press against our goal, but try to impose our strength, our will on the opponent. Play passing, go from your own goal through combinations, create a power play, play between the lines, threaten the goal a lot. And if the opponent has the ball, then be active, don’t be afraid to put pressure on him as high as possible, and if he passes us, quickly return behind the ball line.”

“As for our improvement, there is a lot that needs to be improved. But you need to set yourself the maximum goal and demand full dedication from all players. We must try to reach the semi-finals first, and then we will aim for something more.”

The Ukrainian team won group 7 of the qualification, gaining the maximum nine points. Let us remind you that Dmitry Mikhailenko’s team defeated North Macedonia (2:0), defeated Latvia (3:0) and beat Switzerland (2:0).

The Ukrainian U-19 national team at the 2024 European Youth Championship will play in Quartet A, where its opponents will be Northern Ireland (the hosts of the tournament), Norway and Italy. In Group B, youth teams from Denmark, Turkey, France and Spain will compete for access to the semi-finals.

The calendar of matches for the Ukrainian U-19 national team at the upcoming European Youth Championship 2024 has already been determined. The blue-and-yellows will play all three games in Larne. The first opponent of Dmitry Mikhailenko’s team will be the host team of the event – Northern Ireland.

Two teams from each quartet will advance to the semi-finals. In addition, since the continental championship will simultaneously serve as a UEFA selection for the 2025 World Cup (U-20), the teams that take third place in their groups will compete for the fifth ticket to the World Cup from Europe. The final match of the 2024 U-19 European Championship will take place on July 28.

Source: Sportarena

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