The Bulgarian Under-19 national team recorded a loss (0:1) and a win (4:1) against Serbia U19 in two friendlies which were played in Simitli.
The games were part of the team`s preparation for the upcoming UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifying Elite round. Bulgaria is in Group 6, alongside France, Belgium and hosts Spain. The games will be played on 21, 24 and 27th of March in Benidorm and Alcoy.
The first game was played on 6th of March and finished 0:1. Dejan Joveljic scored the only goal in the 37th minute.
First half
The Bulgarians could have open the scoring in the 5th minute, but Atanas Kabov`s shot went over the bar. In the 14th minute Nikolic made a run and shot but missed the target. Few minutes later Levski`s goalkeeper Sheytanov had to intervene and saved Jovanovic`s shot from a free kick.
In the 37th minute Joveljic opened the scoring. Red Star striker took advantage of Jovanovic's excellent cross and headed the ball home from close range after he was left unmarked.
In the end of the first part Kabov overcame several opponents and found Stanislav Ivanov, but Bulgaria`s captain could not bring his team-mate one-on-one with Serbia`s goalie.
Second half
In the 60th minute Kabov once again beat two defenders and shot, but after a ricochet from an opponent the ball went out in to a corner. Three minutes later Zhilov`s shot was blocked and ball went into Kabov`s feet. Botev Vratsa`s midfielder tried to score from 20 meters but the goalie Cupic saved his shot.
The guests finished the game with just 10 men after the reserve Radulovic received a straight red card.
Bulgaria U19: Dimitar Sheytanov, Borislav Vakadinov, Tihomir Dimitrov (46-Stefan Gavrilov), Arhan Isuf, Valentin Antov, Ivan Turitsov, Atanas Kabov, Domenik Yankov (46-Zdravko Zhilov), Toni Ivanov (61- Georgi Georgiev), Emil Yanchev (83-Nikola Gavov), Stanislav Ivanov – (C)
Head Coach: Angel Stoykov
Serbia U19: Cupic, Velickovic, Mitrovic, Miskovic, Veselinovic, Bosnjak – (C), Lucic (58-Maksimovic), Dordevic (58-Vukmanovic), Joveljic (68-Radulovic), Nikolic (85-Kocic), Jovanovic (68-Bradonjic)
Head Coach: Milos Velebit
The second game was played two days later and ended with a 4:1 win for Bulgaria. Atanas Kabov (two goals), Emil Yanchev and Radoslav Zhivkov found the net for Angel Stoykov`s team, while Maksimovic scored for Serbia.
First half
Kabov opened the scoring after 13 minutes of play with a finesse shot into the penalty area after a cross by Ertan Tombak. Half an hour later Kabov again fell into the arms of his teammates after doubling Bulgaria`s lead. Botev Vratsas`s midfielder netted the ball from 18 meters after a perfect combination with Domenik Yankov.
In the end of the first part the young "lions" scored for the third time after a quick counterattack and a clinical finish from Emil Yanchev.
Second half
In 59th minutes, Maksimovich returned one goal for Serbia. Vozdovac`s midfielder overcame Gavov in front of the goal and beat the goalie Dyulgerov with a shot from close range.
In the closing minutes, Radoslav Zhivkov was left unmarked behind the Serbian defense and shaped the final outcome.
Bulgaria U19: Ivan Dyulgerov, Andrea Hristov (62-Valentin Antov), Ertan Tombak, Borislav Vakadinov, Nikola Borisov, Dimitar Kostadinov (68-Stefan Gavrilov), Domenik Yankov (50-Nikola Gavov), Radoslav Zhivkov, Emil Yanchev (49-Ilia Gruev), Atanas Kabov (61-Arhan Isuf), Stanislav Ivanov (C)
Head Coach: Angel Stoykov
Serbia U19: Micanovic, Dunderski, Dukic, Miskovic, Ivancevic, Bosnjak – (C), Vukmanovic, Kocic, Radulovic, Maksmimovic, Jovanovic
Head Coach: Milos Velebit
Department "Public Relations and Media"
