Mazurenko declares Ukraine intent

As her side prepares for the opening match of UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ against the Netherlands at Turku stadium, Ukraine captain Olena Mazurenko said her team have come to Finland to show what they can do and to get some good results at the finals.

Tournament debuts
Both countries will be making their debuts at a UEFA Women's European Championship and both came through play-off matches to book their places at the tournament. Mazurenko is a true leader for Ukraine, for whom she is not only captain but also the assistant coach, and is relishing the chance to get started. "It's really good to be at such a tournament", said the 39-year-old. "Of course, we are a bit nervous now. However, none of us came here to rest and have fun. We'll try to show ourselves in a good light and achieve something."

Tough task
Ukraine also face Denmark and Finland in Group A and Anatoliy Kutsev's side know it is going to be tough. However, Mazurenko believes her team could cause an upset at the finals. "We'll try our best to show our skills," said the 1. FC Nürnberg defender. "The first match will be the key. It's a huge game in psychological terms. The atmosphere in the team is really calm right now, there's no pressure at all. We are all ready to do battle tomorrow."

Success beckons
Valentyna Kotyk, Ukraine's 31-year-old midfielder, recognises the strength of their opponents but she too shares the confidence of her team-mates that this side is ready to achieve something. "We are expecting success," Kotyk said. "There are no weak teams in the finals, all teams are pretty equal. But there's no pressure on our squad. We are very happy to be here. We made it to Finland thanks to our coach and the atmosphere inside the team. The players' desire and hunger for success were just huge."