The Bulgarian Under-21 national team lost 0:1 against host and last year`s champions of France its first game in the prestigious international tournament “Toulon”.
During the first part Bulgaria was the better side and created several good chances. In the 16th minute Georgiev`s shot was saved by Kamara. In the 33rd minute again Georgiev came close of scoring after a free kick but his shot went wide over the bar. Minutes later Antoni Zdravkov`s players once again organized a fast attack. Vutov made a fine run by the right side and crossed into the penalty area, but Kamara anticipated the pass and picked up the ball in front of Minchev.
In the end of the first half Kitanov had to demonstrate his skills after saving Bamba and Kilic`s shots.
During the second half, the Bleuets have the ball possession but neither team could grab the lead until the 71st minute : Guirassy gave the lead to his team after being set up in the box by Pereira de Sa.
Until the end Despodov and Nenov could have leveled the score, but missed their chances.
During the stoppage time France`s goalkeeper Kamara made a mistake and came close of scoring a ludicrous own goal after dropping the ball, but managed to hold it in front of the goal line.
“At the end of the game I told to my players that against teams as strong as France, we can't allow ourself to miss so many chances. Despite the loss, I'm not frustrated by the result, especially as our style of playing is getting close to how we play at training.
Unfortunately, we didn't came here with the whole squad as the Bulgarian championship is currently competing and many teams didn't leave them players come.", said Bulgaria`s Head Coach Antoni Zdravkov.
In the other match of the group the Czech Republic defeated Mexico 2:1.
France and the Czech Republic are leading the Group with 6 points after two matches. Bulgaria and Mali are third and fourth with 0 points but with a game in hand. Mexico is in the last place also with 0 points after two games.
Bulgaria`s next match is against the Czech Republic on Sunday at 18:30 hrs.
Bulgaria – France : 0:1 (0:0)
Matchday 2 – Group A
Goal : Guirassy (71’)
Bulgaria : Kitanov, Terziev, Galabov, Radev, Marin, Gamakov (c) (Despodov, 74’), Malinov, Kraev (Tsonev, 54’), Georgiev (Nenov 73’), Minchev, Vutov (Velkovski 66’).
Head Coach : Antoni Zdravkov
France : Kamara, Confais, Diakhaby, Batubinsika, Coulibaly, Kilic © (Fulgini, 72’), Salles Lamonge (Pereira de Sa 52’), D’Arpino (Konaté 52’), Bamba, Guirassy, Robinet (Mousset 68’).
Head Coach : Patrick Gonfalone.
Department "Public Relations and Media"
