Yuriy Moroz: "The first two matches in the elite round will be key for Ukraine"

07.12.2024 16:07

On Thursday, December 5, the Round 2 draw of EURO-2025 (U-17) took place in Nyon, Switzerland. Ukraine's U-17 team was placed in Group A1 alongside Italy, Croatia, and Slovakia.

The mini-tournament will be held from March 19 to 25 in Croatia. Only the group winner will advance to the final stage.

Ukraine U-17 Schedule in the Elite Round

March 19, 2025: Ukraine vs. Croatia

March 22, 2025: Italy vs. Ukraine

March 25, 2025: Slovakia vs. Ukraine

Yuriy Moroz, head coach of Ukraine's U-17 team, shared his thoughts on the draw for this stage of the European Championship:

— The very nature of the elite round means there are no weak opponents by default, — said Moroz. — Every team here is capable of making an impact, so there's no room to pick favorites.

As for our specific opponents, we are fairly familiar with Croatia since we recently played two friendly matches against them. They are a very strong team, and the fact that the tournament will take place in Croatia gives them an added advantage. Italy needs no introduction — they are always among the favorites in every age category. Slovakia, on the other hand, might be seen as the underdog, just like us.

For our players, it’s crucial to be in good psychological and physical condition going into the tournament. The matches will take place in the spring, which means some of our players might lack competitive game practice against strong opponents. In the elite round, every match is of immense value.

It’s no secret that the first two games against Croatia and Italy will be key for us. These matches will set the tone for our campaign.

EURO 2025 U-17. Round 2 Draw Results.

League A

Group A1: Italy, Croatia, Ukraine, Slovakia

Group A2: Spain, Austria, Germany, Norway

Group A3: France, Greece, Denmark, Finland

Group A4: Portugal, Serbia, Netherlands, Hungary

Group A5: Czechia, Switzerland, Turkiye, Sweden

Group A6: Belgium, Poland, Iceland, Ireland

Group A7: England, Northern Ireland, Slovenia, Israel

28 teams were placed into seven groups of four teams. The seven group winners from League A will earn the right to join host nation Albania in the final tournament, which will take place from May 19 to June 1, 2025. The seven teams that finish fourth in their groups will be relegated to League B for Round 1 of the EURO 2027 U-19 qualifiers.