Head coach of our players Oleg Bortnyk shared his impressions from the stay in a neighboring country on the official website of the UAF:

— We should acknowledge the leadership of the UAF for organizing this preparation stage, during which appropriate conditions were created for us.

— How much has the composition of the Ukrainian team changed compared to the appearance in April in the second round of Euro-2025 qualification, which took place in England?

— By about 70%. We wanted to look at a group of players born in 2008, while the Polish team's players were one or two years older since they are preparing for the final stage of the continental championship, which will take place at the end of June. The age difference was noticeable, but this is also experience.

— However, first there was a friendly match with UKS from Łódź…

— This was my request to the organizers, and they quickly found us another sparring partner. The team from Łódź plays in the top Polish division, played an experimental lineup. My wards were closer to victory, but after we left several leaders on the field, the opponents saved themselves from defeat at the end of the match — 1:1.

— The loss — 2:5 against the Polish team was deserved?

— I don't think so. Unfortunately, we conceded twice in the opening minutes. Then our goalkeeper Anna Kharchenko saved a penalty. This added confidence to us, and afterwards the rivalry was evenly matched. We had opportunities not to limit ourselves to two goals, as we fought until the final whistle. The only sad thing is that one of the leaders — Anastasiia Zhigadlo — suffered a serious injury.

— Your wards will start in the first round of Euro 2026 qualification in mid-October. When do you plan to gather again?

— A one-week preparation stage is planned at the end of August. The location of the gathering still needs to be clarified. I hope we will manage to arrange two friendlies. Practical game experience is essential.