Volodymyr Pyatenko: "Execution of goalscoring chances is the only concern among my players"

10.04.2024 10:00

The women's national team of Ukraine encountered their first setback in the 2025 European Championship qualifiers, facing a formidable Croatian side on their home turf and falling short with a narrow 0:1 defeat.

Reflecting on the match in Zapresic, Head Coach Volodymyr Pyatenko provided insights into the tactical approach taken by his team. "We anticipated Croatia's strengths, particularly their prowess in set-pieces and the aggressive nature of their attacks following long passes," Pyatenko shared with the UAF official website.

"In response, our strategy focused on ball retention and swift pressure upon losing possession, disrupting Croatia's attempts to advance beyond their half. Despite Croatia's compact midfield presence, our relentless activity on the flanks unsettled them in the final third," Pyatenko elaborated.

While the Ukrainian team dictated much of the game's tempo, the final scoreline did not reflect their dominance. Pyatenko lamented, "Our players executed the game plan admirably. The motivation was palpable, evidenced by our 14 shots on goal compared to Croatia's six. Regrettably, it was a lapse in our defense, coupled with missed opportunities in front of goal, that ultimately decided the outcome".

Acknowledging goalkeeper Dariya Kelyushyk's uncharacteristic error in conceding the decisive goal, Pyatenko emphasized self-accountability, stating, "We must take responsibility for our shortcomings. Despite creating numerous chances, our failure to convert them into goals is a matter of concern. Execution of goalscoring chances is the only concern among my players".

However, Pyatenko remained optimistic about the team's prospects, citing their commendable performance in the earlier fixture against Kosovo. Looking ahead to the upcoming challenge against group leaders Wales, he affirmed: "The journey is far from over. With the same determination and focus displayed in our previous matches, we will approach the next encounter with confidence. Our aim remains unwavering: to secure victory and continue our pursuit of qualification".

Women's Euro-2025. Qualifying. League B. Group 4

Croatia - Ukraine - 1:0 (1:0)

Goal: Loina (18).

Kosovo - Wales - 0:6

Standings

3 round

31.05.2024

Wales - Ukraine

Kosovo — Croatia

4 round

04.06.2024

Ukraine — Wales

Croatia - Kosovo

5 round

12.07.2024

Kosovo - Ukraine

Croatia - Wales

6 round

16.07.2024

Ukraine - Croatia

Wales - Kosovo

The results of the Women's Euro 2025 qualifying draw

League A

Group A1: Netherlands, Italy, Norway, Finland.

Group A2: Spain, Denmark, Belgium, Czechia.

Group A3: France, England, Sweden, Ireland.

Group A4: Germany, Austria, Iceland, Poland.

League B.

Group B1: Switzerland, Hungary, Turkey, Azerbaijan.

Group B2: Scotland, Serbia, Slovakia, Israel.

Group B3: Portugal, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Northern Ireland, Malta.

Group B4: Wales, Croatia, Ukraine, Kosovo.

League C.

Group C1: Belarus, Lithuania, Cyprus, Georgia.

Group C2: Slovenia, Latvia, North Macedonia, Moldova.

Group C3: Greece, Montenegro, Andorra, Faroe Islands.

Group C4: Romania, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Armenia.

Group C5: Albania, Estonia, Luxembourg.

The distribution of places at Euro-2025 takes place based on the results of the next league cycle. The teams compete in groups of four or three teams (League C). The eight best teams in League A (first and second places) immediately go to the final tournament. There they join the host country, Switzerland.

The remaining seven passes are to be played in two rounds of playoffs. In the one-way first round, the third- and fourth-placed teams in League A face the group winners and the top three second-placed teams in League C. The eight winners advance to the second round.

Elsewhere, the four group winners and the top two runners-up in League B play the remaining two runners-up and the four third-placed teams in League B. The six winners advance to the second round.

In the second round of the playoffs, 14 national teams directly play for seven tickets to the final tournament of Euro-2025, where a total of 16 participants play.

The paths of the teams in the play-off matches are to be adjusted, if necessary, taking into account the performances of Switzerland, which plays in League B, but will be represented at the Euro as the host country.

If Switzerland finishes first, second, or third in their B League group, the fourth-best team from that division will enter the playoffs.

Promotion and relegation

In parallel, teams will also compete for positions in the next Nations League, which begins the 2025-2027 cycle:

— winners, holders of second and third places in League A groups will remain in League A;

— the second-place winners and the three best third-place winners in League B groups will remain in League B;

— the winners of the second, third, and fourth places in the groups of League C will remain in League C;

— the winners of the groups in the B and C leagues will move to the higher division;

— the fourth-place finishers in League A and B groups, as well as the worst third-place finisher in League B, will be relegated.

Women's Euro-2025. Schedule

Matches 1—2 rounds: April 3-9, 2024.

Matches 3—4 rounds: May 29 - June 4, 2024.

Matches 5—6 rounds: July 10-16, 2024.

Playoff draw: July 19, 2024

1st round of playoffs (2 matches): October 23-29, 2024.

2nd round of playoffs (2 matches): November 27 - December 3, 2024.

Final tournament draw: December 16, 2024.

Final tournament: July 2-27, 2025 (Switzerland).