Volodymyr Yezersky: "The main task for our coaching staff is to restore the players"

Head coach of Ukraine's youth team Volodymyr Yezersky summed up the Euro-2022 (U-19) elite round qualifier match against Serbia (1:1). — We played against a worthy opponent who won in the first round against the Netherlands, — said Volodymyr Yezersky. — Serbia is an organized and balanced team that aims to qualify for the European Championship.

Volodymyr Yezersky: "The main task for our coaching staff is to restore the players"

Photo by the press service of the UAF

The head coach of Ukraine's youth team, Volodymyr Yezersky, summed up the Euro 2022 (U-19) elite round match against Serbia (1:1).

— We played against a worthy opponent who won in the first round against the Netherlands, — said Volodymyr Yezersky. — Serbia is an organized and balanced team that aims to qualify for the European Championship.

In the first half, while my players had energy, we looked decent. After the score became 1:1, we could have taken the lead several times but luck was not on our side.

In the second half, it became much harder for us as the team started to fatigue due to a lack of game practice over an extended period. The opponent controlled the ball more and dominated play, yet my boys showed character and managed to hold out for a draw. So now our ticket to the final stage will be decided in the last round.

Once again, the main task for our coaching staff is to restore the players, which will be extremely difficult considering time constraints and our personnel potential. For example, before the match against the Netherlands, taking into account two warnings for Puzankov, we were left with only one goalkeeper…

We remind that Ukraine needs to secure first place in their group to qualify.

Elite round of Euro 2022 (U-19)

Group 6

01.06.2022

Norway — Ukraine — 2:3 

Netherlands — Serbia — 1:2

04.06.2022

Ukraine — Serbia — 1:1 

Netherlands — Norway — 1:1

Tournament table

 

 

M

W

D

L

Pts

GD

1

 Ukraine

2

1

1

0

4—3

4

2

 Serbia

2

1

1

0

3—2

4

3

 Norway

2

0

1

1

3—4

1

4

 Netherlands

2

0

1

1

2—3

1

07.06.2022

20.00. Ukraine — Netherlands (Rotterdam)

20.00. Serbia — Norway (Alphen aan den Rijn)

Match start time is Kyiv time.

In case of qualification, Ukraine will play in Group B alongside England, Israel and Austria.

UEFA Euro 2022 (U-19) Final Tournament

Group A: Slovakia, Romania, Italy, France.

Group B: England, Israel, winner of Group 6, Austria.

The final tournament will take place from June 18 to July 1 in Slovakia. The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals. A match for fifth place is also scheduled as five of the strongest teams at Euro 2022 (U-19) qualify for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Indonesia.