First Half
It was a bright start for the Bulgarian U17 team in group 4 of the Elite round, part of the EURO 2016 qualification process. Viktorio Pavlov’s boys demonstrated a passionate and aggressive style, which allowed them to create several good chances against the prominent Dutch squad.
The Bulgarians might have taken the lead in the first minute, but Georgi Kostov missed the target.
The Dutch reply was pretty quick, but Van Bergen did not take advantage of his two opportunities – Sheitanov denied him with a brilliant save. A few minutes later the Bulgarian keeper proved his wonderful abilities again, as he managed to block Van Bergen’s and Malen’s shots.
It was a busy afternoon for the other keeper – Mulenhof as well, as the young Dutch had to save Kostadinov’s powerful shot in the 31st minute. Five minutes later Mulenhof shined again, this time denying Mitkov.
Second half
It was Sheitanov who drew the attention again after the break. In the closing seconds the Netherlands might have taken the three points, but Wente should have done better from a close range, while Kluivert hit the crossbar.
Bulgaria’s next match is against the host nation – Germany – on the 26th of March.
Yellow cards: Wehrmann, Chong (NED); Krastev, Kostadinov, Mitkov
BULGARIA U17: 1. Dimitar Sheytanov (C), 3. Aleksandar Bastunov, 4. Georgi Kostov, 8. Ivan Tilev, 9. Stanislav Ivanov, 10. Vladislav Zhikov, 13. Kaloyan Krastev (80+2-Rusi Chernakov), 14. Dimitar Kostadinov, 15. Denis Buchev, 16. Mitko Mitkov (55-Toni Ivanov), 19. Ivan Mitrev (80+6-Angel Angelov)
Coach: Viktorio Pavlov
Netherlands U17: 1. Mike Van De Meulenhof, 2. Navajo Bakboord, 3. Matthijs de Ligt (C), 4. Owen Wijndal, 5. Tyrell Malacia, 6. Jordy Wehrmann, 7. Mitchell Van Bergen (60-Justin Kluivert), 8. Leandro Fernandes (76-Justin Lonwijk), 9. Dylan Vente, 10. Donyell Malen, 11. Tahith Chong
Coach: Kees Van Wonderen
Referee: Martin Lundby (NOR)
Assistant referees: Geir Isaksen (NOR), Christian Gittelmann (GER)
Fourth official: Patrick Ittrich (GER)
Department "Public Relations and Media"
