Stoitchkov backing Bulgaria

By Duncan White

Plamen Markov's Bulgaria have stormed to the top of a competitive Group 8 with an exciting young team, and as they prepare to face Estonia in their latest UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying game, one of their most famous old boys is predicting great things.

Hero impressed
Hristo Stoitchkov, who scored six goals as Bulgaria reached the semi-finals of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, has kept tabs on the young stars while he plays in the United states for DC United, and believes that, with a win against Estonia, the new-look Bulgaria can stand on the verge of greatness.

'Strong position'
"This game is really important," said Stoitchkov. "They are in a strong position; I would say they are 99 per cent there. They just have to concentrate and get the result and then they are on the plane to Portugal. That would be some achievement and fantastic for Bulgarian football."

Promising side
Stoitchkov has been delighted by Markov's young charges. "They have a good side with much promise, and, most importantly, good spirit," he added. "It's great news for Bulgaria, because they are all still quite young and will play together for many years to come. These really are exciting times for the fans."

Todorov injured
Markov's side have been hit by a long-term injury to Portsmouth FC striker Svetoslav Todorov, but Stoitchkov believes they have enough players to survive that setback. "Stilian Petrov of Celtic [FC] is the player I most admire," he said. "He is very talented - a really gifted and skilful player. It is important for the midfield that he is there - like Krassimir Balakov for us in USA 94.

Key trio
"There are many other important players. Martin Petrov, the [VfB] Stuttgart player, is one of the best. Then Dimitar Berbatov. He is a good, tall striker and he is playing well in Germany, which is not always an easy thing to do. These three guys are the players that stand out for me, but like in '94, it will have to be a team effort if they are to progress."

Estonian hope
All the more so as Arno Pijpers' Estonia could provide stern resistance in Sofia. Striker Andres Oper may be struggling for form at FC Torpedo Moskva but he remains a potent source of goals while Urmas Rooba has been in sublime form for FC København. "Bulgaria need a win but we are not that easy to beat these days," said Pijpers.

Close finish
He is right. At the moment, Bulgaria are one point ahead of Croatia in the table, but with Otto Baric's side expected to win their game in Andorra on Saturday, the race for qualification is far from over. Bulgaria and Croatia have a game in hand on third-placed Belgium, but Aimé Antheunis's side are still in with a chance.

Pivotal games
Much will depend on next week's games when Bulgaria host Andorra while Belgium try to avenge their 4-0 defeat in Zagreb at home against Croatia. A draw in that game might see Bulgaria through, but should Croatia win, there will follow a showdown in Zagreb where Croatia face Bulgaria in the group's final fixture.

Baric confident
"These two matches will be crucial," said Baric ahead of his back-to-back games against Andorra and Belgium. "If we win both of them I believe we will be close to winning the group."