Volodymyr Pyatenko: "We will host Belgium in Antalya and conduct our training camp there"

04.11.2024 16:00

On November 29 and December 3, the Ukraine women's national team will play the second round of the EURO 2025 qualifying playoffs against Belgium.

In an interview with the UAF official website, head coach Volodymyr Pyatenko shared his thoughts on the return leg of the first playoff stage against Turkiye (2:0) and discussed preparations for the decisive matches against Belgium:

- It’s important that in Chișinău, my team didn’t show the fluctuations we saw in the first game in Istanbul. Our play was more balanced and compact, and the comfortable two-goal lead we secured before halftime added confidence. However, it wasn’t a case of the opponents conceding easily. They tried to find weaknesses on the flanks of our defense, but they gained no tangible advantage or goals. I am pleased that we not only won confidently but also kept a clean sheet.

- Now we face Belgium, who eliminated Greece and hold a significantly higher ranking than Ukraine...

- You know, that shouldn’t be intimidating because everything will be decided on the pitch. It will depend on the level of preparation, avoiding player losses, and overall readiness.

- Do you already know where you’ll host Belgium for the first match on November 29?

- Yes, we’ve chosen Antalya, Turkiye, as our venue. There shouldn’t be any logistical issues, and the weather conditions will allow us to prepare effectively. We depart for Turkey on November 20 and have a week-long training camp planned.

- Will there be any lineup rotation compared to the matches against Turkey?

- That will depend on how the candidates perform in the November league matches in the Ukrainian championship and how our players from abroad perform for their foreign clubs. I hope there won’t be any emergencies, and that all key players will be available.

- Finally, what can you tell us about the Belgian team?

- The core of their squad consists of players from top teams in leading countries. They are focused on fast counterattacks and effectively use second-wave attacks. However, we are also progressing, and I firmly believe that there are no unbeatable opponents.

The return leg of the second playoff round will take place on December 3 in Leuven, Belgium, at Den Dreef Stadium, with kickoff at 21:15 Kyiv time.

As a reminder, the top two teams from each League A group secured direct qualification for the EURO 2025 final tournament, which will be held from July 2 to 27 in Switzerland. These teams include Denmark, England, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Netherlands, and Spain. The host team, Switzerland, has also qualified. The remaining seven spots will be contested in the second playoff round (home and away matches).

Second Round (November 27 - December 3)

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

Portugal vs. Czechia

Scotland vs. Finland

Ukraine vs. Belgium

Wales vs. Ireland

Poland vs. Austria

Northern Ireland vs. Norway

Serbia vs. Sweden

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