The women's national team of Ukraine played two back-to-back matches in the Nations League against Czech Republic footballers: first, they won in the Polish city of Pölkowitz — 1:0, and then drew with them in Ústí nad Labem — 1:1.

Head coach of the Ukrainian team, Volodymyr Pyatenko, shared his impressions from these encounters on the official website of the UAF:

— What pleases me most is that my players' game in both matches made a complete impression. No one stood out from the ensemble; each player clearly fulfilled their assigned tasks. Respect!

— Before these encounters, you mentioned that the Czechs are dangerous in transition play, with aggressive wings and a physically strong striker focused on scoring...

— We had an opportunity to thoroughly study our opponents' game; there was plenty of video material. That's why we chose tactics aimed at neutralizing their strengths. Primarily, it involves intensity, quick movements across the field, compactness near own possession, reliable cover, and skillful ball control to avoid free zones. The girls managed this well. That’s why I decided not to change the starting lineup in Ústí nad Labem.

— Were there turning points in both matches?

— Yes. In Poland, the Czechs started the second half very actively; their set pieces were dangerous. It was hard, but my players endured and were rewarded for their resilience and compactness with a well-executed counterattack that resulted in the winning goal. And in Ústí nad Labem, it was crucial not to flinch after conceding an early goal, but rather cherish possession, combine play, and take control of initiative. This plan worked, and we equalized in the middle of the first half.

— In that episode with the conceded goal, there was a mistake by our goalkeeper...

— You know, only those who sit with their hands folded don't make mistakes. The main thing is that this didn’t knock the team off its stride; Kateryna Samson then played very reliably at the back.

— It seemed that in both matches, the Czechs attacked more...

— I can't say we were ever out of breath. Rather, the course of events was influenced by the scoreline: in the first match, opponents added gears to avoid defeat, while at home they rushed forward with great force to secure victory. It didn’t work because we acted organized during these moments, counterattacked whenever possible, and created threats.

— Don't you want to single out anyone from your players?

— I've never done that. In both matches, the Ukrainian national team was a strong unit. It's not just about those who played on the field but also about substitutes who were ready to play through necessity. The microclimate in the group was excellent.

— Before these previous matches, Czechs led as leaders due to their much better goal difference. Now the situation has changed dramatically in our favor; if we win the next match against Albania, we can secure qualification for the top-tier division of the Nations League...

— Albanians proved with two consecutive wins over Croatia that they need to be taken seriously. That's why there’s no question of underestimating our opponents. This match will take place at the end of May, and we still have time to prepare properly. I think it won't do without personnel changes. All I know is that we'll play for victory as always.

Match schedule in Group V4 of Women's Nations League 2025

February 21. Albania — Ukraine — 1:2

February 21. Croatia — Czech Republic — 0:4

February 25. Ukraine — Croatia — 2:1

February 25. Czech Republic — Albania — 5:1

April 4. Ukraine — Czech Republic — 1:0

April 4. Albania — Croatia — 4:0

April 8. Czech Republic — Ukraine — 1:1

April 8. Croatia — Albania — 1:2

Tournament table

May 30. Ukraine — Albania

May 30. Czech Republic — Croatia

June 3. Croatia — Ukraine

June 3. Albania — Czech Republic

Nations League 2025 for Women

League A

Group 1: Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Scotland.

Group 2: France, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland.

Group 3: Spain, England, Belgium, Portugal.

Group 4: Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Wales.  

League B

Group 1: Poland, Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania.

Group 2: Ireland, Turkey, Slovenia, Greece.

Group 3: Finland, Serbia, Hungary, Belarus.

Group 4: Czech Republic, Ukraine, Croatia, Albania. 

League C

Group 1: Slovakia, Faroe Islands, Moldova, Gibraltar.

Group 2: Malta, Georgia, Cyprus, Andorra. 

Group 3: Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Kazakhstan, San Marino.

Group 4: Azerbaijan, Montenegro, Lithuania. 

Group 5: Israel, Bulgaria, Estonia.

Group 6: Kosovo, Latvia, North Macedonia.                         

The group stage will determine which four teams from League A advance to the final round (which now takes place in two-legged playoffs), as well as who will be promoted or relegated between leagues ahead of the European qualifier for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil.

Winners of Groups B and C will move up to Leagues A and B, respectively, while the bottom teams from Leagues A and B and two worst third-placed teams from League B will be relegated to Leagues B and C accordingly. Playoffs will feature third-place teams in League A against second-place teams in League B, and two best third-place teams in League B against two best second-place teams in League C.

Final Round

Drawing: June 6, 2025 (14:00 Kyiv time).

Semifinals (two matches): October 22-28, 2025.

Final/Third Place Play-off (two matches): November 26 - December 2, 2025.

Promotion/Relegation Play-offs

Drawing: June 6, 2025 (14:00 Kyiv time).

Matches (two): October 22-28, 2025.