Ukraine's U-16 national football team played its second match at the UEFA Development Tournament in Estonia, defeating the hosts 3-1. The head of our national team, Yuriy Moroz, praised the performance of his wards at the start of the competition:
Yuriy Moroz. Photo: UAF press service"The draw in the first round with the Northern Irish in normal time - 2:2 and the loss in the penalty shootout - 6:7 and the victory over the Estonians should be recognised as fair.
Compared to the opening match with the Estonians, I changed the squad by more than half, because it is desirable that all the players are provided with game practice. This is also facilitated by the fact that we are allowed to make as many as nine substitutions. This is also important because we are talking about international experience.
I believe that the guys are making progress, first of all, in teamwork. The reporting tournament is valuable in terms of information. The Ukrainian national team of this age category gathered for the first time and I immediately warned the wards that no one is guaranteed a place in the squad. In Estonia, I will have the opportunity to see who is worth what.
It should be clarified that I still have a group of potential national teams in mind. That is why, when we decide on those who will represent Ukraine in the qualifying round of the European Youth Championship in autumn, we will have plenty to choose from.
And in the final round of the competition in Estonia, we will compete with our peers from Luxembourg, who have two wins, one of which was on penalties. If we win in regular time on 28 April, we will take first place," Moroz said.
It will be recalled that Ukraine's U-16 youth team (players not older than 2008) continued their performance at the UEFA Development Tournament in Estonia with a match against the hosts, winning 3-1.
