Vitaliy Odegov, the coach of Ukraine's U-19 futsal team, has summed up their performance in the main round of qualification for Euro 2022 and shared his impressions of the final tournament draw, according to a press release from the AFSU.

— Congratulations Vitaliy Oleksiyovych and your team on advancing to the final stage of the European Championship! What general conclusions can you make about the performance in the main round?

— I believe that the score in all matches demonstrated our superiority over opponents. We were well prepared for this tournament. The boys were charged to win every match. The team deserved such a result. 

— Surely, overcoming this stage turned out easier than expected?

— Yes, I agree. It's even more pleasant to appreciate the fruits of the work that the boys did during their preparation for official matches over several years.

— Also worth noting is that our team included the top scorer in the main round — Andriy Britan, who scored seven times...

— Of course, this fact is very pleasant. Andriy played well in Moldova and scored many goals. We do not single anyone out because everyone is part of the team. Our attitude towards the boys is completely equal. However, I can congratulate Andriy on such a result and wish him to continue demonstrating the same level of scoring.

— Another point worth noting — the realization of set pieces...

— Indeed, this is a very important factor in futsal. It's nice that the boys have tactical understanding and know how to realize their ideas. However, I should note that even our opponents allowed our team to turn these ideas into goals.

— What impressions do you have from the draw for the final stage?

— Overall — a satisfactory result. It could be better, and it could be worse. I believe that we can make it to the quarterfinals of Euro and reach the semifinals. In general, both groups have an approximately equal distribution of strength.

— Last time Ukraine's team met Spain and Croatia (both eventually became finalists) in the group stage. However, is it worth mentioning this given the change of generations in the teams?

— Indeed, the rating of our group participants is somewhat higher. However, in youth futsal, one should not rely on this indicator because generations change. This is not a national senior team where people can play for ten years and you can form an assessment based on their results. In youth futsal, there are changes in age categories, and the new generation may be stronger or weaker. From this perspective, I would not pay much attention to those matches with these opponents from the previous Euro.

— Our team played against Spain less than a month ago. How do you evaluate this opponent almost live?

— Of course, it's a top team. It's quite difficult to compete with such an opponent. However, previous experience of encounters is very important for us. I am convinced that it will benefit the boys. The team felt what to expect from the opponent and how to behave on the court. I'm sure no one was afraid then or will be at Euro. Our team is ready for tough matches.

Euro 2022 (U-19) Futsal Qualification Main Round Group 6

July 7, 2022

Ukraine — Andorra — 10:2

Belgium — Moldova — 6:0

July 8, 2022

Moldova — Andorra — 4:5 

Belgium — Ukraine — 0:11

July 10, 2022

Andorra — Belgium — 2:3

Moldova — Ukraine — 0:5

Final Standings

Euro 2022 (U-19) Futsal Final Tournament

Group A: Spain, Ukraine, Croatia, Romania.

Group B: Poland, France, Italy, Portugal.

The final stage of Euro 2022 (U-19) futsal will take place in the Spanish city of Jaén at the "Olivio Arena," which accommodates 6,500 spectators. Group matches will be held on September 4th, 5th and 7th. The semifinals are scheduled for September 8th, with the final on September 10th. I would add that at the first-ever Euro in futsal among juniors, which took place in 2019, Ukraine's team qualified for the final tournament where they secured third place. And the champion was one of the favorites — Spain's team.