On March 8, the friendly tournament of Ukraine's women's national team started in Portugal. Ahead of Euro-2023, the blue-and-yellow team planned to play two friendlies against the hosts in the city of Rio Maior. Both teams are preparing for the final four, but they will face different opponents in the semifinals.

The Ukrainian women are working on a double training schedule, with ten trainings and several theoretical sessions planned. Until March 15, the blue-and-yellow team will continue their preparation for the Euro-2023 final stage in Portugal, after which they will head to Debrecen.

The first friendly match against the Portuguese started with active play from the hosts, while Oleg Shaytanov's wards focused on counterattacks. Over time, the Iberians began to dominate the pitch, and at the 8th minute, after a mistake in their own half of the field, Ukraine conceded a goal from Silva. Later, an unsuccessful exit by Kislova from the goal ended with a goal for Pisku. Our girls had several moments as well, including when Forsyuk made a save. However, near the end of the first half, after some excellent combinations, Silva scored two more goals.

After halftime, Ukraine created several good opportunities, including Skibina failing to convert a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Nevertheless, at the 28th minute, Portugal scored again — Pisku completed her brace. Subsequently, the Iberians continued their dangerous attacks and added two more goals in the final minutes of the match from Vanessa and Azevedo.

So, Ukraine lost the first friendly match 0-7. The second friendly will take place on March 11 at 9 PM Kyiv time.

Women's National Team Friendly Match

Portugal - Ukraine - 7:0 (4:0)

Goals: Silva (8, 18, 18), Pisku (13, 28), Vanessa (37), Azevedo (40).

Portugal: Catarina (Costa, 14, O. Rocha, 28) - Azevedo, Pisku, K. Rocha, Morreira; Matos, Fernandes, Vanessa, Fifi, Morgado, Silva, Ferreira, Santus.

Ukraine: Kislova (Teresh, 13, Mytrofanyska, 28) - Shulga, Grytsenko, Dubytska, Forsyk; Drozd, Titova, Kyrylchuk, Volovenko, Skibina, Babenko, Dyatel.

As a reminder, according to the decision of UEFA's Executive Committee, which includes UAF President Andriy Pavelko, Hungary will host the Euro-2023 final stage for women's futsal from March 17 to 19 at the "Phoenix Arena" in Debrecen.

One of the tournament participants is Ukraine's national team. Spain, Portugal, and Hungary also qualified for the finals. On January 24 in Debrecen, the draw took place, with the results determining that the Ukrainians will face Hungary in the semifinals.

Euro-2023 Women's Futsal Tournament

17.03   17:00   Semifinal             Spain - Portugal

17.03   20:30   Semifinal             Ukraine— Hungary

19.03   18:00   Match for third place

19.03   21:00   Final

Match times are in Kyiv time.

In the main round of qualification for the European Championship in women's futsal, which took place in Poznan, Poland, Ukraine managed to secure first place in their group. In the first game, the Ukrainian national team defeated the Netherlands (5-2), in the second — beat Croatia (5-1), and concluded the mini-tournament with a draw against Poland (1-1). In summary, our team secured continental prominence for only the second time in history.

As a reminder, Ukraine's women's national futsal team became bronze medalists at the final stage of Euro-2022, which took place from July 1 to 3 in Portugal.