Bulgaria - Netherlands 2:0
Bulgaria: 13. Mihaylov, 2. Strahil. Popov, 3. Zanev (86-Nedyalkov), 4.Chorbadzhiyski, 15. Bozhikov, 6.Slavchev, 7.Kostadinov, 11.Manolev, 9.Delev (88-Bodurov), 10.Ivelin Popov (67-Kraev), 20.Tonev
Head Coach: Peter Hubchev
Netherlands: 1.Zoet, 3. De Ligt (46-Hoedt), 2.Karsdorp, 4.Indy Martins, 5.Blind, 6.Strootman 10.Klassen, 7.Promes (68- De Jong), 8. Vaynaldum (46-Snajder) 11.Roben, 9.Dost
Head Coach: Danny Blind
Referee: Wiliam Kolam (Scotland)
Bulgaria has won his third consecutive home win in qualifying group A for Russia 2018 after overcoming the Netherlands 2:0.
After the win at the Vasil Levski stadium, Petar Hubchevs men climbed to third in the group standings with nine points from five matches, one point behind Sweden and four behind leaders France. Netherlands are fourth on seven.
The host team made a perfect start. Debutant Matthijs de Ligt misjudged Simeon Slavchev’s long pass, allowing Spas Delev to poke the ball beyond keeper Jeroen Zoet after five minutes. This was first goal for national team for Delev.
In the 15th minute Georgi Kostadinov tried to score with a header but Zoet has made a save. A minute later Wijnaldum had a chance to equalize, but Vasil Bozhikov has made a good interception.
In the 20th minute Bulgaria scored his second goal. Delev punished yet more hesitant defending by De Ligt with a thunderous shot from 18 metres after Georgi Kostadinov perfect assist.
At the end of the first half the visiting team had his best chance to score - Klassen reached Dost, but his shot passed wide.
In the beginning of the second half Wesley Snajder who entered as a substitute shooted dangerous, but the ball went just out. Five minutes later, Quincy Promes tried to score with a powerful shot, but Mihaylov has made a good save.
Till the end the Bulgarian team defended very well.
In the 88th minute Manolev had a chance to make it 3 0, but the shot went wide.
Next, Bulgaria will play Belarus on 9th of June in Borisov.
