The blue-yellows were defeated with a score of 0:2
Coach of the Ukrainian women’s team Vladimir Pyatenko summed up the results of the first confrontation with Belgium (0:2) in the qualifying playoffs Euro 2025.
“The girls are great in terms of the amount of work, its implementation and all the requirements. We were counting on a quick goal, but in the middle of the first half we sat down and the Belgians took control of the ball. Although at the end of the first half we started to rise higher.”
“The second half was the same, but, unfortunately, we didn’t take advantage of the Belgians’ mistakes and sometimes came out of the pressure. We tried to strengthen the attack with the help of substitutions, act higher in order to put pressure on the opposing side of the field and try to win back. However, unfortunately, we missed on the counterattack.”
“What we planned – [выполнили]Well done girls. Only the middle of the first half, when the Belgians took control of the ball, moved it from flank to flank, and allowed us to think a little. Although at the end of the first half we started to play higher and tried to put pressure on the opponent’s half of the half.”
“Missed a goal in stoppage time? No, this is not a loss of concentration. At the end they tried to turn the tide of the game and score, but the Belgians, again thanks to their size, cleared the ball and got caught. It’s not a loss of concentration, it’s us trying to turn the game around.”
“The mood is, of course, that everyone is upset, but there is still a second match. Yes, at the end of that second goal… However, I don’t think you can blame the team. The girls gave it their all. Belgium is a good team, they will have even more support on the road. But perhaps the score 2:0 will relax our opponents even more, and we will be more motivated.”
The guests opened the scoring in the 21st minute – Belgium striker Ella van Kerkhoven scored. Already in stoppage time in the second half, the Belgians doubled their lead thanks to an accurate shot by Inter women’s team forward Tessa Woolaert.
Vladimir Pyatenko’s team has a return match ahead, which will take place on December 3 in Leuven, Belgium. Start – 21:15 Kyiv time.
This selection round is the last and decisive one. In it, seven duets will determine the seven participants in the final stage of the tournament, designed for 16 teams.
We would like to remind you that at the previous qualifying stage, Pyatenko’s team confidently defeated their opponents from Turkey (1:1, 2:0).
The draw for the final part of the European Championship will take place on December 16. The tournament itself will take place next summer in Switzerland.
Source: Sportarena
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