On June 14, the Ukrainian beach soccer team arrived in Nazaré, Portugal, where they will participate in the qualification stage of EuroLeague-2021. The blue and yellow team's group A opponents are Portugal, Germany, and Azerbaijan.

The coach of the Ukrainians, Mykola Kostenko, outlined the tasks facing our national team at this tournament: "It is clear that the main goal is to advance to the EuroLeague finals. Eight teams qualify for the finals, and our maximum task is to earn nine points to secure a higher position in the standings. This also matters for the Super Final itself, as the higher you are in the qualification table, the theoretically weaker opponents may reach the final stage. 

Our first two matches are against Germany and Azerbaijan, while we conclude the tournament with a match against Portugal, the number one team in the world ranking. To advance to the Super Final in the group, we need to secure second place. Therefore, the minimum task for the Ukrainian national team is to win two games, with at least one being a clean victory, and even an overtime or penalty shootout could suffice for the other. Four points guarantee a 100% advancement to the EuroLeague finals."

Schedule of Ukraine's National Team in the Qualification Round for the EuroLeague-2021 Super Final

June 17. Ukraine — Germany (13.15)

June 18. Ukraine — Azerbaijan (13.15)

June 19. Portugal — Ukraine (14.45)

The match start times are given in Kyiv time.

According to the tournament rules, each of the 12 participating teams will play three matches, and then a general table will be compiled. The top eight teams advance to the Super Final.