Head coach of our women's football team, Lyudmila Lemeschko, shared her impressions from the tournament that took place near Zagreb on the official website of the UAF:

— Due to various reasons, the Ukrainian national team played in an experimental lineup, even having to look at players born in 2010. Therefore, we went to Croatia for game practice and international experience.

— Among the matches played by Ukrainians, is there any you would like to highlight?

— It's not worth doing that. I believe we played to our strength. Against Hungary and Morocco, the competition was even, and the final 1-1 scores should be considered fair. According to the regulations, in case of a draw for determining the winner, a penalty shootout was held. In this lottery, we lost against Hungary but won against Morocco. There was also a loss to Croatia, and ultimately we finished third.

— Have you already found an explanation for the crushing defeat by the hosts — 0-4?

— The Croatian team was stronger than the rest of the participants, and their first place is deserved. But I am convinced that even in a loss, one must look for positive aspects. The girls received comprehensive information on which shortcomings need to be addressed first.

— Do you already know when you will see your wards again?

— Yes, in August there are plans for a joint training camp for the WU-17 and WU-19 national teams. Most likely, it will be held in Ternopil. I plan to call up 24 players, many of whom were unable to participate in Croatia. This gathering will be decisive because based on its results, we will stop on the footballers who will take part in the first round of Euro-2026 qualifiers in the elite division in November.

UEFA Development Tournament for Women's National Teams WU-16

May 7, 2025

Croatia — Morocco — 1:0

Hungary  —Ukraine— 1:1, after penalties — 5:4

May 9, 2025

Croatia —Ukraine— 4:0

Hungary — Morocco — 1:1, after penalties — 3:0

May 12, 2025

Ukraine — Morocco — 1:1, after penalties — 5:4

Croatia — Hungary — 2:0

For a win, three points were awarded. In case of a draw, a penalty shootout was held, the winner receiving two points and the loser one point.

Final Standings