The head of the Women's and Girls' Football Committee at the Ukrainian Football Association, Anastasiya Klypchenko, responded to pressing questions regarding the women's national team in an interview on the official UAF website and shared insights into the strategy for developing female national teams.

— The team started their qualification with losses against England and Spain. How does the committee assess this start?

— Our first match was a heavy blow to us. But I want to start on a positive note. Despite the final score of 1:6, we played level with champions in the last two Euros for half an hour without conceding any goals. This is an important indicator. The team played defensively, seeking their moments for counterattacks. I believe that during the first half, we fully fulfilled defensive functions. In the second half, it was just a bit lacking in physical condition and concentration in game moments, as the high class of our opponents showed.

The next match was against Spain. I am confident that the Spanish expected an easier game. But our team played well: not only did they defend but also created some very good chances. So although the score was 1:3, I would like to note that in the second half against current world champions, our girls played level for one goal and this is a great indicator of our team and its preparation.

Photo: Dan Balashov

We have a very tough group where Iceland, a stable participant in the Euros, is also present. We view these matches as valuable experience for our team's future. When we step onto the field and do not fear current world champions — this primarily demonstrates our character. The coaching staff and management remain satisfied with many aspects. Indicators from trackers and the number of useful actions were at a high level.

After the match against England, the girls were very tired, but they emphasized that the most challenging aspect was not the functional side, but the constant need for concentration in game moments. The English team gives a very high tempo: it requires quick thinking, changing directions of movement, and adapting to the development of the game. After the match against Spain, despite the overall result, there was a relatively positive mood among all. Everyone understood that they played their full capacity and gave their maximum, which is pleasing.

Photo: Dan Balashov

Unfortunately, in both matches we lost our main players. Daria Yivkova and Nadiya Kozlova suffered from cruciate ligament ruptures, with Daria also having a meniscus injury – these are the most serious injuries in sports. We spoke to them, they psychologically moved on slightly and remain optimistic, although it is very hard. The Ukrainian Football Association provides full support for them. We have the possibility of seeking assistance from FIFA for players who get injured while playing for the national team. We help clubs with all necessary letters. Operating dates are already set, we will be together throughout the recovery process. We wish Nadiya and Daria a speedy recovery and return to the national team and their beloved cause!

— The new head coach of the national team, Yaia Andrushak, has already adapted to her new role?

— A complete change in the coaching staff — is always a difficult period as it changes the game and the mood of the collective. But the girls took this challenge very well. I would like to note the wonderful atmosphere in the team — everyone was maximally motivated.

Yaia Andrushak already has experience working with the national team, as she previously worked as an assistant to Spanish expert Luis Cortes. She knows all the girls: some played together, many trained at 'Vorskla', and they became Ukrainian champions together. Therefore, adaptation went smoothly. I saw her confidence and how she conveys information. There is synergy in the coaching staff — excellent communication between the head coach, assistant, goalkeepers' trainer, and analyst. They have mutual respect and trust, as well as a clear long-term strategic vision that fully aligns with the direction chosen by UAF management. We constantly communicate, hold meetings, and share a common vision of development, which is very important to me. Yaia excellently motivates the team — I see how their eyes shine — this is most important.

Photo: Dan Balashov

— What is the goal for this qualification tournament to the World Cup?

— Of course, we have a clear goal and even more of a dream — to qualify for the World Cup. If one does not set the highest goals, why even step onto the field? Everyone understands that it is necessary to work at maximum capacity.

It is very important that in 2025 we managed to win our group in Nations League and rise to Division A. Now we play in a qualification group from which there is no escape: the winner of the quartet qualifies for the World Cup, while the other three teams have an additional chance in playoffs. I am confident that the women's national team will fight until the end and has grounds to claim its desire to qualify for the World Cup.

A month before the next match against Iceland, which we will host in Poland. The coaching staff emphasized to the players: over these 30 days, we cannot make any fundamental changes, but each of them has the ability to become better by one percent every day. These are very motivating and practical words.

Photo: Dan Balashov

— You mentioned the strategic direction of developing female teams. What does it entail?

— At the beginning of our work, the Women's and Girls' Football Committee together with the coaching staff defined priority directions. Our key strategic decision — to unite the work of coaches of youth and girls' teams WU-19, WU-17, and WU-15. We strive to build a clear vertical in all team work. Previously, there was a lack of systematization for a smoother transition from the WU-19 team to the national team, communication between coaches was lacking. Now young players demonstrate that they are capable of adapting to the senior team already at 20-22 years old.

We reached an understanding with youth team coaches, conveyed our philosophy of developing Ukrainian women's football and now we finalize a general strategy together. Now we work in unison not only during training camps and matches but also outside them. Coaches regularly exchange experience, views, and plans. Our priority — it is not just about adding players, but selecting the best ones who will go from youth teams to the national team.