Refreshed under a new coach, Bulgaria’s national football team won its two games against Belarus, part of the qualifiers matches for the Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland.

On June 2 Stanimir Stoilov’s players had little difficulty winning by 2:0 in Minsk.

Impressed by that easy-looking win, Romanian newspaper Prosport offered its explanation: “the game in Minsk had been pre-arranged thanks to Israeli businessman Michael Chorny, who ensured the money Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) gave to the Belorussian federation”.

As additional “evidence” of such a deal, the Romanians pointed out the lower stakes for an away team victory posted by Bulgarian bookmakers. TheBFU denied the accusations. Romania currently is ahead of Bulgaria in Group G and the battle for a place in Euro 2008 has gained speed.

Unlike the first game, Bulgaria had difficulties winning against Belarus in Sofia on June 6. Bulgaria won 2:1 after Belarus managed to score an early goal from a penalty kick. Thanks to Martin Petrov and Chavdar Yankov, Bulgaria managed a victory, but the players showed lack of concentration and mistakes in defence. One more reason to worry is the open question about who will coach the Bulgarian team after June 6. Stoilov agreed to take temporary charge for the June qualifiers and then concentrate on his job as Levski coach. Romania also won its two games against Slovenia and currently tops the group with 17 points, followed by Bulgaria with 15 points. Third is the Netherlands with 14 points, who did not play in this round. The next matches are in September.