Milena Ivanchenko: The atmosphere in the national team of Ukraine is wonderful, we are one big family

Midfielder of Kryvyi Rih FC "Kryvbas" Milena Ivanchenko - about the matches for the Ukrainian national team WU-17 and the results of the season for the red and whites.

- In the second match of the Euro 2025 qualifier against Malta, where Ukraine won a convincing victory - 10:0, you scored a goal in the first half.

- I remember that there was a long pass to the flank, where our right winger Victoria Savkina won the fight and gave me the pass. I immediately saw the zone where the attacker was, giving the pass, but it did not go through. Immediately turned on and picked up the ball. Then she beat two rivals and sent the ball into the far corner. In this way, it was possible to score a goal.

- The team consists of all girls from different teams. What is the atmosphere in the national team?

- The connection between the girls is very good. Of course, there is and always will be competition, but it did not affect the relationship between us in any way. On the contrary, everyone supports each other, helps and rejoices for each other. Therefore, the atmosphere is wonderful, in general, we are one big family.

- How did you work under the leadership of the head coach of the girls' national team Serhiy Sapronov?

- Everything is great. He is a very experienced coach. I would also like to mention other coaches and employees of the national team. I thank them for their work, support and faith in us. Thanks to joint work, they were able to achieve the maximum result: three victories in three matches.

- The women's national team of Ukraine WU-17 made it to the second round of selection for Euro 2025. Which of the opponents would you like to play next?

- Probably, in the second stage it would be interesting to play against the national teams of Spain, Switzerland and Turkey.

- Do you have a goal to play for the national women's team of Ukraine in the future?

- Of course, this is my dream and goal - to represent the national women's team of Ukraine in the future. But you need to understand that without hard work and discipline, nothing will work. Therefore, you need to work on yourself every day to make your dream come true.

- How long have you been playing football and why did you choose this particular sport?

- I have been playing football since I was 8 years old. My dad played soccer and my older brother is a professional soccer player. Once his brother offered to play with him. It was after that that I became interested in football and really liked playing this sport. My first coach is Saliy Serhiy Serhiyovych. I am very grateful to him, he made a great contribution to my development. We still keep in touch with him and talk almost every day.

- What would you do if not football?

- I really like hockey and table tennis. Therefore, probably, if it were not for football, she would have played one of these sports.

- "Kryvbas" finished on the seventh place in the tournament table of the Higher League. How would you rate the team's performance in the first stage?

- I think that we performed decently, considering that we are the youngest team in the Major League. We have a very promising team. Of course, there were matches in which we lacked experience, faith in ourselves and our abilities, but we learn from mistakes. I want to thank the entire team for the first half of the season, I am proud of each and every one of the players.

- Which match performed by our team can you call the best?

- For me personally, the best was the match against Obolon. Because it was the first victory of the season, plus they played in their hometown. We played well and scored great goals.

- The red and whites have already gone on vacation. What are your vacation plans?

- Plans for the vacation, of course, to rest a little and already prepare for the winter training sessions, so as not to lose playing form.

Media of WFC "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rih