PREVIEW 2009 UEFA WOMEN’S EURO CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Euro 2009 Championships have begun.Some of the biggest names in women’s football are taking part. Here at Womans Soccer Insider we take a look at the nations , their star /key players and brightest new talent. Who will end up in WPS. Can anyone stop the Germans? We will give you our thoughts and more over the course of the Championships.I hope you are all getting a chance to catch some of the matches and talent on show.


Ukraine




Ukraine - 9th in Europe & 16th in the world have qualified for the finals of a major tournament for the first time since being founded in 1993.
They have come close but always seemed to miss out. But since this years championship was expanded to 12 teams Ukraine took their opportunity.
In qualifying they made a great start with six straight wins, including a victory against Denmark. Denmark however piped them to top the group and Ukraine had to beat Slovenia in the playoffs to compete in the Championships.
Coach Anatoliy Kutsev is a former footballer who took over in January 2007 just in time for qualifying.They conceded just 3 goals in 10 qualifying matches.
Kutsev brings a great work ethic to his team and he expects the same from them.
Many of the players in the squad are from teams playing in the Russian Women’s League Zvezda-2005 Perm and WFC Rossiyanka as well as the Ukranian club champions Legenda Chernigiv.
The only problem with Ukraine is how fit and ready they are. Due to many reasons they have not played an international match in 2009.


Daryna Apanaschenko (Key Player)


Star striker is without a doubt Apanaschenko.Ukraine's main goal threat, her strikes in qualifying included the winners at home to Denmark and in Scotland, plus three in the play-off victory over Slovenia. In the 10 qualifying games she scored 6 goals.
Won the 2001 and 2002 Ukrainian titles with Legend Chernigov.
Joined Zvezda-2005 of Russia in the winter break and made an instant impact in their UEFA Women's Cup campaign, scoring twice in the semi-final second leg and their only goal of the final defeat by FCR 2001 Duisburg.
Good with the ball at her feet, if given space to turn Apanaschenko can be Ukraine’s best weapon.





Olha Boychenko (Fresh Face)



20 year old Boychenko broke into the squad late in qualifying, coming off the bench three times.She now has a starting spot in the first XI.
Debut was against Scotland.
Blessed with pace, she can operate on either flank or as a centre-forward.
Current club is FC Legend Chernigov - Ukranian champions.