In recent days, matches of the second round of qualification for Euro 2023 among girls (WU-17) were held in the Bulgarian city of Sliven. In addition to the hosts, teams from Ukraine and Latvia participated.

In group V6 of the second round of Euro 2023 qualification, underlings of Sergiy Sapronov secured their first step and returned to a higher division. Ukrainian girls managed to win against Bulgaria (2:1) and Latvia (5:0).

— I prepared the girls only for securing first place and returning to League A, — said head coach of Ukraine's national team Sergiy Sapronov in an interview on the official website of the UAF. — The main difficulty was that due to Russian aggression, my wards did not have the opportunity to play any friendly matches. Fortunately, thanks to the support of UAF leadership, we managed to hold a four-day training camp in Bulgaria right before the start of the tournament.

— Did you have information about the strengths and weaknesses of your opponents?

— We studied video recordings of last year's matches of Bulgarians and Latvians, who were then playing in League B, watched a match between Estonian and Latvian teams in the Baltic Cup. So we had an idea of what tactical schemes our opponents adhered to. However, it was necessary to take into account that changes occurred over time. But I was more concerned about whether my wards would be able to execute the coach's instructions.

— Since in Sliven we achieved the maximum result, which allowed us to return to the class of strongest teams, there should be no complaints about our girls…

— Considering the preparation conditions, it would certainly be a sin to complain. It is important that the results were achieved through play, all wards wanted to demonstrate their skills. It was clear that the main test awaited us in the first match — against the hosts. They had impressed with their ability to combine well near the opponent's penalty area. That's why I prepared my wards to meet opponents in midfield. This allowed us to move the game away from our goal and, thanks to effective actions in possession, significantly outperform Bulgarians in terms of shots on target. Unfortunately, we limited ourselves only to two goals, failing to capitalize on several golden opportunities.

In the match against Latvians, we decided to play even more aggressively, adopting a high pressing strategy. This was something our opponents did not expect, often losing possession in simple situations, which we took advantage of.

— Is there anyone worth highlighting?

— You know, this was the last appearance for the Ukrainian girls born in 2006. They really wanted to bid farewell with a good game. And it is precisely these girls who made the most significant contribution to our success. I should single out Marina Ptitsyna, who plays for German Wolfsburg, she noticeably added. We hope that someone from this group of players will manage to break through to the WU-19 national team in time.

— Who helped you in Sliven?

— Lyudmila Lemesko, Oleksandr Mytiko and Anastasiya Kvaratskhelia, by the way, granddaughter of a well-known football coach.

— What's next?

— In mid-April in Romania, the Development Cup will take place. We plan to review 15 players born in 2007 at an official level. Vinnytsia native Olena Martyniuk, who performed well a few days ago in Bulgaria, is expected to compete for leadership. And in June we will find out about opponents in the first round of League A of the new European Championship qualification...

Euro 2023 (WU-17). Second Round. Group V6

March 3, 2023

Bulgaria — Ukraine — 1:2

March 6, 2023

Ukraine — Latvia — 5:0

March 9, 2023

Latvia — Bulgaria — 1:3

Final Standings

Euro 2023 (WU-17). Second Round

League A

Group A1: Czech Republic, Poland, Estonia, Romania.

Group A2: England, Norway, Belgium, Croatia.

Group A3: Germany, Portugal, Hungary, North Macedonia.

Group A4: Switzerland, Slovenia, Austria, Slovakia.

Group A5: Ireland, France, Italy, Kosovo.

Group A6: Spain, Denmark, Serbia, Belarus.

Group A7: Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, Wales.

League B

Group B1: Greece, Faroe Islands, Lithuania, Moldova.

Group B2: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Montenegro.

Group B3: Scotland, Israel, Georgia.

Group B4: Iceland, Luxembourg, Albania.

Group B5: Northern Ireland, Turkey, Armenia.

Group B6: Ukraine, Latvia, Bulgaria.

Teams in League B, including those that were relegated after the autumn stage of League A, compete in six groups (two with four participants and four with three) for spots in the first round of League A at the next qualifying tournament. These are won by group winners as well as the best second-placed team. 

In League A, 28 teams compete in seven groups, including seven national teams that rose from League B based on the results of the first round. Seven group winners of the second round of League A (and the best second-place finisher if Estonia finishes first in their group) will earn spots at the final stage, matches of which will take place between May 14 and 26. Teams finishing fourth in groups will start the 2023/2024 season in League B.