Olena Kudziyeva: "Injury to our key player couldn’t prevent us from winning the main prize in Moldova"

06.10.2024 13:41

The Ukraine WU-15 women's team has returned from Moldova as the winner of the UEFA Development Tournament, surpassing teams from the host nation, Lithuania, and Greece.

In a comment to the UAF official website, the head coach of the Ukraine WU-15 team, Olena Kudziyeva, shared what helped her players celebrate success in the neighboring country:

— Unfortunately, on the eve of the opening day, our team leader Oleksandra Pychevska, who played in the defensive midfield, injured her shoulder. We had no choice but to adopt a slightly different tactical scheme, 4—4—1—1. The absence of our player in the midfield was felt, so we focused on activity on the flanks and winning second balls. This plan worked, and we won all three matches.

— Which opponents posed the toughest challenge?

— The Lithuanians. However, we outperformed them due to our success in individual duels.

— According to the regulations of the UEFA Development Tournament, each participant had to play three matches of 90 minutes each. How did you manage rotation?

— In the first two matches, against the Greeks and Lithuanians, we used what you could call the main squad with a clearly defined number of substitutions. In the final match against the hosts, having already secured first place ahead of time, we brought in substitutes and a few players who had limited playing time.

— Which of your players would you highlight?

— Goalkeeper Oleksandra Lizenko, defender Yelyzaveta Hyrun, and forward Kseniya Vorobey all deserve praise.

UEFA Development Tournament for WU-15 Teams

September 28, 2024

Moldova — Lithuania — 1:1, penalties — 5:4

Ukraine — Greece — 2:1

September 30, 2024

Lithuania — Ukraine — 0:1

Greece — Moldova — 0:1

October 3, 2024

Greece — Lithuania — 0:2

Moldova - Ukraine - 1:2

Standings