Ukraine loses to Belgium in first leg of Women's EURO 2025 qualifiers playoff round 2

29.11.2024 20:56

Today, November 29, the Ukraine women's national team faced Belgium in the first leg of the second round of the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 qualifiers playoffs.

In the first playoff round, Volodymyr Pyatenko's team eliminated Turkey (1:1, 2:0). In the second stage, Ukraine competed against Belgium, which advanced by defeating Greece (0:0, 5:0) over two legs. Ukraine played their nominal home match in Antalya, Turkey, at the Mardan Stadium.

Photo by Dan Balashov

Ukraine had a golden opportunity right at the start when Ovdiychuk was denied by the Belgian goalkeeper from close range. Belgium responded with their dangerous chance, forcing a double save from Kelyushyk. The Ukrainian keeper made several more crucial stops before Van Kerkhoven broke the deadlock in the 21st minute, converting a cross from the flank. Despite some attempts, Ukraine struggled to create clear scoring opportunities, while Belgium had limited chances before halftime.

Photo by Dan Balashov

Early in the second half, Ovdiychuk tested the Belgian goalkeeper with a long-range effort. Belgium countered with dangerous attacks, but their accuracy was lacking. Ukraine failed to find the net, and in added time, Wullaert sealed the victory with a late goal, making it 2:0 for Belgium.

The second leg will take place on December 3 in Leuven, Belgium, at Den Dreef Stadium, kicking off at 21:15 Kyiv time.

Women's EURO 2025. Playoffs. Second Round. First Leg

Ukraine — Belgium — 0:2 (0:1)

Goals: Van Kerkhoven (21), Wullaert (90+3).

Ukraine: Kelyushyk, Petryk, Kotyk, Shmatko (c), Basanska, Semkiv, Hiryn (Kozlova, 76), Andrukhiv (Malakhova, 89), Khimych, Ovdiychuk, Kravchuk (Hlushchenko, 70).

Head coach: Volodymyr Pyatenko.

Belgium: Lichtfus, Cayman, Tysiak, Keece, Janssen, Vangheluwe, Wullaert (c), Missipo, Janssens (Delacauw, 89), Van Kerkhoven (De Caigny, 89), Eurlings (Detruyer, 70).

Head coach: Ives Serneels.

Referee: Kristiyana Guteva (Bulgaria).

Booked: Semkiv (42), Basanska (64) — Van Kerkhoven (52), Wullaert (77).

November 29. Antalya. Mardan Stadium.

Photo by Dan Balashov

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.