Volodymyr Pyatenko: "Finishing strong was crucial to being among the seeded teams"

17.07.2024 14:00

On a high note, the Ukraine women's national team concluded their EURO 2025 qualifying group stage in League B, securing victories against Kosovo (4:0) and Croatia (2:0).

Head coach Volodymyr Pyatenko shared his impressions of these matches with the UAF official website:

— It was crucial to achieve maximum results, finish second in our group, and be among the seeded teams that will continue to compete for a place in the final stage of the continental championship, which Switzerland will host. We succeeded in this.

— Before the matches against Kosovo and Croatia, you mentioned that they play in a similar style: mostly defensive, tough in ball challenges, and using the tactic of minor fouls...

— Therefore, during the briefing, I emphasized the importance of quick transitions from defense to attack, flank activity, and vertical passes that would complicate the opponents' game and force them into mistakes.

In the match against Kosovo, two quick goals played a crucial role, and the game against Croatia was practically decided by halftime when we scored twice. We then aimed to control the game, avoid confrontations, and prevent injuries or yellow cards.

— Was there any doubt about a positive outcome in the match against Croatia despite the emphatic win against Kosovo?

— The beginning of the match was tough for my players. The heat took its toll, and they didn’t adapt immediately. However, we gradually improved our passing game, strengthened our defensive cover, and took the initiative. Only towards the end did Croatia mount a few threatening attacks, but they couldn't capitalize.

— Were there any injuries in the recent matches?

— We had to substitute Roksolana Kravchuk and Dariya Apanashchenko for various reasons, but they are fine now.

— What’s next?

— The playoff draw will take place on July 19, and we will find out our next opponents. The playoff matches for EURO 2025 qualification are scheduled for October 23 and 29.

Women's EURO 2025 Playoff Qualification

First Round (October 23—29)

In one path, the teams that finished third and fourth in League A will play against the group winners and the three best second-place teams from League C. Eight winners will advance to the second round.

Seeded: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Finland, Norway, Poland, Ireland, Sweden.

Unseeded: Albania, Belarus, Georgia, Greece, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Romania, Slovenia.

In the other path, the group winners (excluding Switzerland) and the three best second-place teams from League B will play against the lowest-ranked second-place team, the four third-place teams, and the best fourth-place team from League B. Six winners will advance to the second round.

Seeded: Portugal, Scotland, Wales, Serbia, Ukraine, Northern Ireland.

Unseeded: Turkey, Croatia, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovakia, Azerbaijan.

Second Round (November 27—December 3)

In the second playoff round, 14 teams will compete directly for the seven remaining spots in the Euro 2025 final tournament, which will feature 16 participants.

The draw for the final tournament will take place on December 16th.

Women's EURO 2025. Qualification Tournament. League B. Group 4

Matchday 1

05.04.2024

Ukraine — Kosovo — 2:0

Wales — Croatia — 4:0

Matchday 2

09.04.2024

Croatia — Ukraine — 1:0

Kosovo — Wales — 0:6

Matchday 3

31.05.2024

Wales — Ukraine — 1:1

Kosovo — Croatia — 0:1

Matchday 4

04.06.2024

Ukraine — Wales — 2:2

Croatia — Kosovo — 2:0

Matchday 5

12.07.2024

Kosovo — Ukraine — 0:4

Croatia — Wales — 0:3

Matchday 6

16.07.2024

Ukraine — Croatia — 2:0

Wales — Kosovo — 2:0

Standings