In the fall, our team secured third place in the group and managed to avoid relegation by overtaking Slovenia in the ranking of third-place teams. Thus, now Vladimir Pyatenko's wards have drawn a playoff match against Bulgaria for a spot in Division B. In recent days, the Ukrainian national team trained in Antalya, Turkey, after which they departed for an away game in the town of Kirklareli.

Photos by Oxana Vasylyova

The blue-and-yellow team took the lead in the score as early as the 6th minute when Kravchuk capitalized on a pass from Andrukhyv and scored past the goalkeeper. The Ukrainian players continued to dominate, creating opportunities, and midway through the first half, Andrukhyv doubled their guests' advantage with an assist from Ovdychuk.

Photos by Oxana Vasylyova

After halftime, Andrukhyv had an unfortunate incident and left the field on crutches. The Ukrainians continued to hold a significant advantage, but this time the Bulgarian goalkeeper several times prevented our team from scoring. Nevertheless, towards the end of the match, Glushchenko did manage to break through with a pass from Khymych. And in added time, Kotic scored after a Khymych corner kick. In summary, we have a 4-0 victory for Vladimir Pyatenko's team.

Photos by Oxana Vasylyova

The return match between Ukraine and Bulgaria will be played on February 27. The nominal home game for the blue-and-yellow team will take place at the "Marad" stadium in Antalya (Turkey). This encounter starts at 15:00 local time in Kiev. Entry to the match is free.

Women's League of Nations-2023/2024. Playoff for a spot in Division B. First Match

Bulgaria — Ukraine — 0:4 (0:2)

Goals: Kravchuk (6), Andrukhyv (24), Glushchenko (83), Kotic (90+5).

Bulgaria: Shakhanska, Kefalova, Y. Ivanova, Dimitrova (c), Karayivanova, Stankova (Boycheva, 46), Petrova (Parapunova, 86), Naidenova (Zhelyava, 69), Popadyinova (Petrova, 69), Adrianova (Karadjov, 46), D. Ivanova.

Coach: Sylvia Radoytsa.

Ukraine: Kelyushyk, Petrik (Podolska, 74), Kotic, Shmatko (c), Basanska (Derkach, 84), Andrukhyv (Kozlova, 50), Semkiv (Korsun, 84), Khymych, Ovdychuk, Kravchuk (Malakhova, 74), Glushchenko.

Coach: Vladimir Pyatenko.

Referee: Minka Veckeli (Finland).

Yellow Card: Shakhanska (90+3).

February 23. Kirklareli. "Arda-Arena".