Goalkeeper Nikolai Mihailov was open-handed and the Bulgarian Under-21 (U-21) national football team walked away empty-handed from the game against England on September 11. The match, which took place in Sofia, was Bulgaria’s second qualifying match for the 2009 European U-21 Championship. Bulgarian coach Alexander Stankov’s players lost 2:0 and are now bottom of Group 3 with 0 points following a 1:2 home defeat by Montenegro in the opening match. Stuart Pearce’s England team and Portugal are top with six points each from two games.

Mihailov, who is on loan to Dutch Twente from Liverpool, allowed England a pair of cheap goals in the 25th and 32nd minutes and then made some good but belated saves. Around 3000 supporters, standing in the rain, mocked him even before the opening goal.

Every touch of the ball was followed by jeering applauses. There was a reason for this. Mihailov, son of Bulgarian Football Union’s president Borislav Mihailov, is known mainly for his blunders. He is talented but he’s not consistent in his performance.

Without Bulgarian aces Valeri Bojinov (injured) and Ivelin Popov (in the senior team), Bulgarian U-21’s were captained by Mihailov and began the game well. However, as soon as the skies darkened and the rain started to pour down, England scored. Tom Huddlestone’s shot from 20 metres went through the hands of the keeper into the net. Seven minutes later Mihaylov was easily passed by Mark Noble for the second goal.

The home team tried to react and Valeri Domovchiyski almost hit the post twice with efforts from the edge of the area but England’s superiority was clear and became even greater as the pitch got more slippery.

In the second half Mihailov stopped three dangerous shots to keep the score acceptable. “We played well, but England have three of four unique players and also the weather wasn’t in our favour. There’s no reason to lose hope, we have matches ahead so it’s still a possibility to rebound,” the keeper said. Valeri Domovchiyski acknowledged that the English players were stronger and played better in the difficult conditions.

Stankov praised his players. “They gave 100 per cent and they were at top of their abilities but England are in a higher class. We allowed a ridiculous first goal which spoiled the rhythm of our game. In the first half we had two or three chances but we didn’t score and after the break we got tired.”

“It was tough conditions and credit goes to the players,” said Stuart Pearce. “We can play better than that but sometimes when you come to places like this it is about character over performances.”

The England coach was happy that his team secured maximum points from their opening two qualifying matches in Montenegro (0:3) on September 7 and in Sofia. “It was two difficult trips to Eastern Europe. The whole squad should be pleased with the eight days we were together. Our aim was to get on the plane with six points out of six. We knew it would be difficult and the pointer to how well we’ve done will be dictated by how well the Portuguese and Irish do in these two venues.”