The Bulgarian under-19 national team beat Luxembourg U19 with 2:1 in its second game in Group 3 of the EURO 2016 Qualifying round.
The Bulgarians made an excellent start at "Paphiakos" stadium in Paphos. In the 4th minute Kraev and Alichkov tried to net the ball with shots from distance, but Andrea Amodio was on place and saved.
Two minutes later Svetoslav Todorov`s players broke the deadlock after an own goal by Florian Bohnert.
Luxembourg`s players tried to equalize in the 19th minute when Sinani shot, but Mihaylov made a fine save.
Two minutes later the Bulgarians doubled their lead. Antonio Georgiev advanced by the left side and crossed to Alexander Georgiev who overcame a defender with a fake move, changed the direction and scored from close range for 2:0.
By the end of the first half the Bulgarians created a couple of scoring opportunities, but the goalkeeper denied Alexander Georgiev and Antonio Georgiev`s shots.
In the middle of the second part Luxembourg`s players managed to reduce the score through Muratovic after an assist from Gomes.
Shortly thereafter Sinani and Bohnert threatened Bulgaria`s goal, but Mihaylov saved their shots.
In the 76th minute Tonislav Yordanov had a chance to seal the win, but missed the target.
In the extra time Mihaylov saved Skenderovic`s shot and the match ended 2:1 for Bulgaria.
In the other match of our group, which was played at "Kouklia" stadium in Paphos, Poland beat the hosts Cyprus with 3:0.
Thus, after the end of the second matches, Poland leads with 6 points. Bulgaria and Luxembourg are second and third with 3 points, but Bulgaria has the advantage because of the direct win. Cyprus is in the last position with 0 points.
Bulgaria`s next and last game is against Cyprus on 16th of November, Monday, at 14:30 hrs at "Kouklia" stadium in Paphos. A win against the hosts will ensure Bulgaria`s progression to the Elite round. In the other match of the group Luxembourg confronts Poland at 14:30 hrs at "Paphiakos" stadium.
Yellow cards: Aleksander Georgiev, Stoycho Atanasov (Bulgaria); Muratovic, Bohnert, Ewert (Luxembourg).
BULGARIA: 1. Mihail Mihaylov, 2. Stoycho Atanasov, 3. Georgi Kupenov, 5. Ventsislav Kerchev, 6. Antonio Georgiev, 8. Aleksander Georgiev - C., 9. Tonislav Yordanov, 10. Tomas Tsvyatkov (90 min. - Stefan Ivanov), 11. Bozhidar Kraev (55 min. - Denislav Aleksandrov), 13. Galin Minkov, 16. Stefan Alichkov (63 min. - Angel Maksimov).
Head coach: Svetoslav Todorov
Luxembourg: 1. Amodio 2. Ewert – C., 3. Carlson (86 min. - Simon), 5. Skenderovic, 6. Duriatti, 7. Andre Da Silva (56 min. - Avdusinovic), 8. Bohnert, 9. Muratovic, 10 Sinani, 11. Kalisa (56 min. - Stephane De Oliveira Gomes), 15. Hall
Head coach: Claude Campos
Referee: Svein-Erik Edvartsen (NOR)
Assistant referees: Magnus Lundberg (NOR), Pavlos Georgiou (CYP)
Fourth official: Andreas Orthodoxou (CYP)
"Paphiakos" stadium, city Paphos, Cyprus
Department "Public Relations and Media"
