Chorna upbeat for Ukraine

It took Ukraine midfielder Tetyana Chorna eleven years from her 1998 international debut to play at a major final tournament and although that first match was lost 2-0 to the Netherlands, she is confident they can bounce back against Denmark on Wednesday.

Second chance
Ukraine found themselves two down after nine minutes against their fellow UEFA European Women's Championship newcomers. Although Chorna's team got stronger as the game went on, that was how the Group A fixture finished.

'Good spirits'
Now they are taking on another side who suffered a Matchday 1 reverse, with Denmark losing 1-0 to hosts Finland, and Chorna is upbeat about the task. "We are in good spirits," the WFC Rossiyanka player said. "We are looking optimistically at the match. Denmark are a very strong team, but still we are in a good frame of mind."

'Back on track'
Coach Anatoliy Kutsev suggested only having played one international in 2009 had left Ukraine off the pace early on against the Netherlands, and Chorna agreed: "Yes, it was difficult because we didn't have enough games. But, as the coach said, we've played the first game now. I think we are back on track and the next match will be completely different to the opener."

Qualifying foes
Although, in Chorna's words, "everything is new" for Ukraine in their first final tournament, playing Denmark is far from a novelty as they were in the same qualifying group. Ukraine won 1-0 at home in June 2008, before the same scoreline in Denmark on 1 October edged Chorna's team into the play-offs, where they defeated Slovenia.

Familiarity
So, will the familiarity of their opponents play its part in the upcoming encounter? "There is no effect, but they are a team we know quite well," the 28-year-old said. "In those terms, it will be a little bit easier for us to play against them. " She added: "Denmark are a good team, with good players. I'm sure it will be an interesting game. But, as to how exactly we will beat them, we will have to wait and see."