Andriy Shevchenko praised Ukraine U-17 team as they secured spot in Euro 2024

16.03.2024 09:00

On March 15th, a pivotal moment unfolded as the President of the Ukrainian Association of Football Andriy Shevchenko engaged in dialogue with the vibrant ensemble of players and coaches comprising the Ukraine U-17 team.

This team secured a spot in Euro 2024, which will take place in May-June in Cyprus. However, many of the players called up to the squad are playing abroad, and after the matches of the elite qualifying round held in Greece, they immediately returned to their clubs. Therefore, Andriy Shevchenko was only able to communicate with the national team from the House of Football through an e-conference, attended by practically all the blue-yellow players.

"You have taken a very important step in your career. I did not achieve such success at your age. When I was around your age, we played playoff matches against the Netherlands: we drew 2-2 at home, 0-0 away, and did not qualify for Euro 1994. But you are doing great!

However, this is just the beginning of your journey. Right now, you have a very bright moment in your career; you confidently passed the elite qualifying round. But the European Championship is a completely different motivation! There will be a very high level of teams and players. And you always have to compete with the best - you need to move forward, seek new challenges," said Andriy Shevchenko, addressing the players of the Ukraine U-17 team.

In turn, the team's coach, Yuriy Moroz, who was also present at the House of Football during the meeting, invited Andriy Shevchenko to support the team during the final stage of Euro 2024 in Cyprus. The UAF President assured that he would try to find the opportunity to do so personally. Addressing the players, he added: "The European Championship is a chance to showcase yourselves. There will be many representatives from famous clubs across Europe in the stands during the matches. But I want you to understand that the main thing is not just to showcase individual qualities, the main thing is the team's performance. Trends in football are changing nowadays. Leading experts look at the team's results as a whole, rather than focusing on individual performers, no matter how individually strong they may be prepared. Now, the ability to work for the team, for its result, is most valued in a player".

Euro 2024 (U-17), featuring 16 national teams, will take place from May 20th to June 5th in Cyprus, across six stadiums in Ayia Napa, Larnaca, Paralimni, and Limassol.

The draw for the final tournament will be held in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, on April 3rd. The 16 participants will be divided into four groups of four teams each. Currently, Cyprus (as the host) and Ukraine have guaranteed their participation in the championship.