The women's national handball team of Ukraine, which this year in Hungary became the silver medalist at the European Championship [../../article/47796], has returned to training after a long break.

The blue-and-yellow team traveled to Slovenia, where they held a training camp and planned two friendlies against the local national team. The first match took place today in the city of Kidricevo.

In the opening 20 minutes, the protégés of Oleg Shaytanov had an advantage in shots but failed to break through the goalkeeper's defense. The hosts also created several opportunities and hit the post once.

Photo by Dragol Perka

However, immediately after halftime, Ukraine's national team took the lead — Dubitska outmaneuvered Skibina and scored from a sharp angle. The Slovenians responded with several dangerous moments but failed to capitalize on them. The Ukrainians could have increased their own advantage, particularly Kuznetsova and Forsyuk missed good chances.

At the 32nd minute mark, the hosts equalized — after a throw-in from Ermenz, the ball sliced past Burlashenko's back into Mitrofanova's goal. However, in the final minutes, blue-and-yellow managed to snatch victory when Forsyuk converted Burlashenko's pass.

The second match between the national teams of Slovenia and Ukraine will take place tomorrow in the city of Podčetrtek (kickoff at 18:00 Kyiv time).

Friendship Match Between Women's National Handball Teams

Slovenia — Ukraine — 1:2 (0:0)

Goals: Ermenz (32) — Dubitska (21), Forsyuk (38).

Slovenia: Lah — Srebot, Ermenz, Adamic, Esenovec; Kos, Logar, Schnofl, Jvokel, Kranitz, Kozina.

Ukraine: Kislova (Mitrofanova, 21) — Forsyuk, Kuznetsova, Dubitska, Skibina; Kalaginya, Kirilchuk, Volovenko, Stepanenko, Burlashenko.

As a reminder, recently FIFA adopted a decision that in 2025 the first women's World Cup in handball history will take place. Sixteen teams will participate in the tournament. The quotas for participation are distributed as follows: Europe — 4, South America — 3, Asia — 3, Africa — 2, CONCACAF — 2, Oceania — 1. One more spot will go to the host country.