The Bulgarian Under-16 national team made a solid start to this year's UEFA Development Tournament this week, beating their Georgian counterparts 5:3 on penalties after an one-all draw.
In front of a home crowd in Albena, at “Albena 1” Stadium, Aleksander Georgiev`s players demonstrated their qualities and will to win.
Unfortunately the guests opened the scoring in the 12th minute. Zuriko Davitashvili headed the ball home after a cross from right side.
Until the break, the Bulgarians created several good scoring opportunities, but Demetre Buliskeria saved Stefan Mediev and Dzhoskhun Mihaylov`s shots.
In the second half, Bulgaria`s Head Coach Aleksander Georgiev made a number of substitutions. Piere Pierov, Angel Karakashev, Martin Dinov, Asen Krushovski, Milen Manchev and Nikolay Tomov came from the bench.
Later in the game Teimuraz Gabunia could have made it 0:2, but missed his chance.
Thus, in the 72nd minute Bulgaria equalized. Martin Dinov made a fine run by the right side, crossed into the penalty area and found Kun Mihaylov, who netted the ball with a precision shot.
In the final minutes of the game, the “young lions” tried everything to win the match, but it ended 1:1.
According to the regulations of the tournament if, after 80 minutes, a match ends in a draw, penalty kicks will be taken to determine the winner.
Pier Pierov, Kun Mihaylov, Iliya Gruev, Asen Krushovski and Angel Karakashev were accurate from the spot and so Bulgaria started with a victory in the tournament.
In the other match, which was played at “Albena 3” Stadium, Romania beat Croatia 1:0.
Bulgaria`s next match is against Croatia on Wednesday, at 15:30, at "Albena 1" Stadium.
Goalscorers: Zuriko Davitashvili (12), Kun Mihaylov (72)
Yellow cards: Methodi Stefanov, Dimitar Mitev (Bulgaria); Levan Grdzelidze (Georgia)
Bulgaria U16: 1. Damyan Damyanov, 2. Veselin Veskov (80 +2 - Nikolay Tomov), 3. Martin Mihaylov (67 - Milen Manchev), 5. Dimitar Mitev, 4. Mitko Mitkov (41- Angel Karakashev), 6. Iliya Gruev, 7. Georgi Stoyanov (41 Pier Pierov), 8. Methodi Stefanov, 9. Dzhoskhun Mihaylov, 10. Stefan Metodiev (62 - Asen Krushovski), 11. Krisityan Dimitrov – (C) (62 - Martin Dinov).
Head Coach: Aleksander Georgiev
Georgia U16: 1. Demetre Buliskeria, 2. Archil Basaria, 4. Jemali-Giorgi Jinjolava, 5. Levani Kharabadze (78-Irakli Javakhishvili), 7. Zuriko Davitashvili (66-Giorgi Guliashvili), 8. Tamaz Babunadze (78-Giorgi Kharshiladze), 9. Teimuraz Gabunia, 10. Giorgi Ivaniadze – (C) (65-Levan Grdzelidze), 13. Iva Gelashvili, 15. Anzor Mekvabishvili, 16. Giorgi Pagava
Head Coach: Guram Marshania
Referee: Petar Kirilov (BUL)
Images: LAP.bg
Department "Public Relations and Media"
