The Bulgarian Under-21 national team lost 0:1 against Mexico its third game in the prestigious international tournament “Toulon”.
In a game played in a strong wind, the Mexicans dominated on the pitch during the first half. In the 6th minute after a through ball by Fierro, Lorona was left one-on-one with the goalie, but his shot went over the bar. A few minutes later Gonzalez brillantly passed it to Fierro, who scored into the box and gave the lead to Mexico. In the 28th minute Antoni Zdravkov made two substitutions, Velkovski and Vutov came off the bench to replace Georgiev and Chapov. 10 minutes later Despodov crossed into the penalty area from a free kick, Galabov headed the ball, but Gudino was at his place and saved. Seconds later after a fast counterattack, Cota made a run by the left side and found Fierro into the box who was unmarked, but his header missed the target.
During the second part Antoni Zdravkov`s team played more aggressively in front of the goal, as Vutov first tried to score from distance, but his shot went wide. In the next few minutes Malinov and Despodov found themselves in scoring positions, but Gudino kept his net dry. On the other side Kitanov also had to intervene in a couple of situations, after saving Torres and Lorona`s shots. In the added time Tsonev made a run by the right side and crossed into the box, but Velkovski couldn`t get a touch of the ball.
In the other game of the group France bat Mali 2:1.
France is leading the group with 9 points after 3 games, followed by the Czech Republic with 7 points (3 games). Mexico is third with 4 points (4 games). Bulgaria and Mali are fourth and fifth with 1 point after 3 matches.
Bulgaria`s next game is against Mali, on Thursday at 18:00 hrs.
Bulgaria - Mexico : 0-1 (0-1)
Matchday 4 - Group A
Goals : Fierro (18')
Bulgaria : Kitanov , Radev, Terziev, Galabov (Tsonev, 41'), Marin, Gamakov (c), Malinov, Chapov (Vutov, 29'), Despodov, Georgiev (Velkovski, 29'), Minchev (Nenov, 64')
Head Coach : Antoni Zdravkov
Mexico : Gudino , Guzman, Lopez, Garcia S., Garcia E. (Alvarez, 56'), Salas, Gonzalez, Cota, Lorona, Fierro (Diaz, 73'), Torres (Jaimes, 60').
Head Coach : Raul Gutierrez
Referee: Luis Ulises (PAR)
Stadium: “Perruc”, Hyeres
© photos BFU and Magali RUFFATO
Department "Public Relations and Media"
