The women's national team of Ukraine won twice in penalty shootouts at the 2023/2024 Nations League against Bulgaria (4:0, 3:0) and extended their residency in Division B.

Head coach of the blue-and-yellow team, Volodymyr Pyatenko, shared his impressions from these matches in an interview with the official website of the UAF:

— Ukraine's ranking position is much higher on the table. I would like to give credit to my players who did not allow themselves a complacent attitude, took the opponents seriously and this brought substantial dividends.

— If we compare the play of Ukrainian women in both matches, in Kirklareli and Antalya, was there any difference?

— No, my players acted as number one, taking on a tactical scheme 4-4-2, trying to dominate midfield with one or two touches of the ball and focusing on wing attacks since opponents concentrated significant forces in central approaches to the penalty area. This plan paid off.

— After the crushing defeat in Kirklareli today it felt like Bulgarians worked on their mistakes and tried harder?

— They tried to press us high, but we were prepared for this, skillfully got out of pressing and thanks to an advantage in speed forced the opponents to think more about defense. Unfortunately, we also made mistakes today which prevented a bigger score.

— Is anyone from the girls' team worthy of being highlighted?

— I do not practice this. I believe that each player contributed significantly to the victory. I would highlight only a great microclimate in the team. Credit should also go to my assistants who made sure I had comprehensive information about Bulgaria's strengths and weaknesses.

— Compared to the first match, in Kirklareli, there were four immediate changes in the starting lineup in Antalya…

— We have a fairly long bench and it's important that as many players as possible get game practice.

— How is Veronika Andrukiv feeling, who in Kirklareli collided with an opponent and did not escape a concussion?

— Veronika has been under the medical staff's supervision throughout this period. She feels well now and hopefully will be back to action by the end of March.

— When will Ukraine's women's national team gather again?

— Never resting on laurels. The draw for the European Championship qualifying cycle takes place already on March 5, and we plan to start gathering on March 28. Where - depends on who we will play against in our first match at the beginning of April.