THE Bulgarian men's volleyball team has qualified for the World Championships Final Round in Japan in 2006.

In a dramatic qualification tournament in Varna, Bulgaria defeated the Netherlands, Ukraine and Portugal.

On August 19, the host team, managed by Martin Stoev, achieved a 3:2 victory over the Netherlands.

Bulgaria did not start the game well, losing the opening set  25:15. However, in the second, roles were reversed, and the hosts were on top 25:18.

It all came down to a decisive fifth set. The Bulgarian players kept their nerves cool and won in a dramatic fashion, 15:13.

The second hurdle on the road to Japan was Ukraine. It was a tight game on Saturday until the third set, when the score was 1:1. Then Bulgaria took control and won comfortably, 3:1.

At the same time, Portugal had also won its first two matches, so Sunday saw the decisive game between Bulgaria and Portugal to determine which of the two teams would go to the World Cup next year.

The Bulgarians played at their top level and defeated their opponents 3:0 in a fully packed hall, in the presence of Bulgarian President Georgi Purvanov and former Speaker of Parliament Ognian Gerdjikov, to record their third straight win from as many matches.

"It was very important for us to qualify for the World Cup. It would have been a disaster for such a talented team not to take part in this major volleyball forum. My players still have not realised what they have done, but they will do so next year when we go to Japan. Matey Kaziiski was at his very best. His performance this year was unbelievable. I have been in volleyball for many years, but I have never seen a 21-year-old player display such qualities at an international level. Andrei Zhekov is the other one I would like to praise. Two days ago he was injured, but managed a great performance. We did not have enough time to prepare for this qualification tournament. Zhekov had taken part in just three games prior to the event. I am pleased with what he did, but he can become much better. In believe in two years he will be a top player," Stoev said after the game against Portugal.