Yuriy Klymenko: "We're in a winning spirit, and our aim remains unchanged — Euroleague medals"

08.09.2024 16:00

The Ukraine women's beach soccer team is gearing up for the 2024 Women's Euro Beach Soccer League Superfinal, which will take place in the Italian town of Alghero from September 14 to 17.

Before the Superfinal, the team participated in the Women's Euro Beach Soccer League stage in Nazaré, Portugal, where they finished third in Group A. The Blue and Yellows squad first lost to Poland (1:3), then won a penalty shootout against Portugal (1:1, 4:2 penalties), and finally defeated England (4:1).

Head coach Yuriy Klymenko reviewed the stage and outlined the team’s goals for the Superfinal.

"Considering our overall performance and all three matches in Nazaré, I am satisfied with the result. The only issue was the first match against Poland. The young players who debuted lacked the experience of international competitions at this level. They seemed a bit unsettled, possibly due to the high intensity of the match. We had some defensive and tactical issues, as well as concerns about our physical preparation.

However, we analyzed that match, focused on Portugal, and prepared for England, delivering two solid performances. After the first game, we gradually found our form and fitness, achieving the necessary positive result.

Regarding the Superfinal, the team has arrived in Alghero and will start preparations directly in Italy. Our goalkeeper Anastasiya Terekh is expected to arrive from Portugal, and then we will be at full strength. We have an evening training session scheduled and a pre-match session tomorrow.

Unfortunately, we have a personnel loss. Ruslana Dyachuk was injured in Nazaré, and we won't be able to count on her for the Superfinal. Instead, Iryna Bavzenyuk has joined the squad, and we will work on integrating her into the team.

As for our opponents, we have a strong group. Czechia has been progressing each year and had a good stage in Portugal. Italy, the host nation, always aims for the highest goals, and Portugal has once again been placed in our group. Matches against these teams are always very challenging, but we are in a winning mood, and our goal remains unchanged — Euroleague medals," said Yuriy Klymenko.

Ukraine’s Women’s Beach Soccer Team for the 2024 Women's Euro Beach Soccer League Superfinal:

Goalkeepers: Anastasiya Terekh, Oleksandra Kulyk

Outfield Players: Yuliya Kostyuk, Snizhana Volovenko, Anastasiya Klipachenko, Iryna Dubytska, Myroslava Vypasnyak, Oleksandra Skybina, Margaryta Yurasova, Iryna Bavzenyuk, Yuliya Soldatenko, Mariya Benedik

2024 Women's Euro Beach Soccer League Superfinal Groups:

Group A: Portugal, Ukraine, Italy, Czechia

Group B: Spain, Poland, England, Switzerland

Ukraine’s Match Schedule at the 2024 Women's Euro Beach Soccer League Superfinal:

September 10: Portugal vs. Ukraine (12:30)

September 12: Italy vs. Ukraine (17:45)

September 13: Ukraine vs. Czechia (11:15)

All match times are in Kyiv time.

Playoff matches will be held on September 14 and 15.