The Ukrainian women's national under-17 team has returned from the Netherlands after participating in the second qualifying round for the 2024 European Championship. Our players finished last in their group and were relegated to League B.

Head coach of the Ukrainian women's national under-17 team, Serhiy Sapronov, commented on his team's performance at the tournament for the official website of the UAF:

— In the final round, we even managed a draw with Turkey, which allowed us to overtake them based on additional criteria. However, in my opinion, the fact that our team improved their game with each match, while the Turks were worn down by Spain and the hosts, led to an illusion among my players. Despite my attempts to adjust their mindset, they believed that even if they didn't win, they would at least secure a draw.

Initially, nothing suggested any trouble. We dictated the terms of play, created dangerous moments in front of our opponents' goal, but we couldn’t score. However, once Turkey managed to open the scoring midway through the second half, it knocked our girls off their game. They were unable to regroup and avoid defeat and relegation from the top tier.

— For your entire 2007-born group, this was their last appearance for the national team in this age category...

— Yes, most of them have been under my guidance for two years. I want to thank them for their cooperation and will recommend some of them for the Ukrainian women's youth national team.

— Do you already know who will replace them?

— The squad will retain a group of 16-year-olds who were involved in the recent continental championship. Soon, we need to address the team's reinforcement with another 15-16 players born in 2008 and, looking ahead, those from 2009. Lists are still being finalized. However, we mustn't delay as we will be competing in Bosnia and Herzegovina at the UEFA Development Tournament in April. And come autumn, the first qualifying round for the 2025 European Championship will begin, and we will strive to immediately return to League A.

UEFA Euro-2024 (WU-17). Second Qualifying Round. Group A5

March 14, 2024

Spain — Turkey — 9:0

Ukraine — Netherlands — 0:4

March 17, 2024

Spain — Ukraine — 2:0

Netherlands — Turkey — 6:1

March 20, 2024

Netherlands — Spain — 1:3

Turkey — Ukraine — 1:0

Final Standings