German head coach Lothar Matthaeus has warned that Bulgaria still has the qualities and strength to put up a fight, and that the country should not be underestimated, Uefa.com reported on March 14 2011.

Bulgaria is due to play against Switzerland on March 26 in Sofia. Matthaus took over Bulgaria from Stanimir Stoilov, and since his reign began, the country has managed 1-0 win in Wales in his first qualifier in charge. He will now have to face the challenge of Ottmar Hitzfeld, his former coach at FC Bayern München, in what will be a vital encounter for both countries.

Bulgaria is fourth out of five teams in Group G , seven points behind leaders Montenegro, but the German has insisted that there is still plenty play for and that Bulgaria should not be written off prematurely.

"When I first came here, I knew Bulgaria were not the side they were 15 years ago, but while there is a lot to be done here, I have found some fantastic players in the current national team who are professional and have strong characters. I really enjoy working with them and I think they feel the same about me," he told Uefa.com

"But I will say this: don't write off Bulgaria," he added.

"Back then Bulgaria had players like Stoichkov, Krassimir Balakov, Lechkov, Borislav Mihailov, Emil Kostadinov and many more."

"We do not have players like that now, but football is always changing. We have a nice blend of experienced players and talented young ones and I think Bulgaria may spring some surprises."

Currently, Montenegro are the unexpected leader of the lack with with 10 points from four matches, followed by England in second with seven points but with a match in hand.

Switzerland and Bulgaria are both with three points apiece with three matches played, and Wales are bottom of the group with zero points.