The Ukrainian WU-17 women's team in Tallinn, Estonia finished last in their Group A qualification for the 2023 European Championship and is forced to leave the elite division.

The head coach of our girls, Serhiy Sapronov, commented on the official website of the UAF, explaining what hindered his players from performing better:

— Of course, the few days in Tallinn for preparation were insufficient for our team, which due to the war with Russia has not been assembled almost a year. Moreover, we drew against the favorites — the English right from the start. The crushing defeat had a significant psychological impact on our players.

— In that match, your players conceded 11 goals, while failing to score any themselves. Was the British team's superiority really so overwhelming?

— There is no need for long explanations — the opponents were clearly stronger in all components, especially speed. This starting match confirmed our problems: a short bench of substitutes, lack of a reliable goalkeeper and an experienced striker. In the end, there was no miracle since it was obvious before the matches that we would struggle against the main contenders, England and Denmark.

— But the same British team limited themselves to only three goals in Estonia's goal…

— There is an explanation for that: since a draw was decisive for England against Denmark, they fielded a reserve squad against the hosts.

— After Ukraine's team lost to Denmark — 1:4, in the last match with Estonia, only a win could have saved them, as equal points would have favored the host due to better goal difference…

— To be fair, it must be said that my players played more purposefully against the Scandinavians. And if not for a poor end to the first half, they could have lost with a more honorable score.

As for the match against Estonia, it went in our favor, but unfortunately we failed to capitalize on several goal-scoring opportunities and ended up drawing 0-0, thus letting the hosts ahead.

— Despite the disappointing result, is anyone among your players worthy of praise?

— I have few complaints about Daria Borovska and Anastasiia Astakhova. Marina Ptitsyna failed to live up to her leadership role.

— What's next?

— On December 7, the draw will take place and we will find out the names of our opponents in the Group stage of League B. I hope that the Tallinn experience will be beneficial for the girls, they will progress and return to the top class next spring. Moreover, the core of the team will be preserved.

EURO-2023 (WU-17). First round qualification. Group A6

October 7, 2022

Ukraine — England — 0:11

Denmark — Estonia — 7:0

October 10, 2022

Denmark — Ukraine— 4:1

England — Estonia — 3:0

October 13, 2022

Estonia — Ukraine— 0:0

England — Denmark — 3:1 

Final standings