Bulgaria warming to stand-in Stoilov

The clamour for Stanimir Stoilov to make his contract as Bulgaria coach permanent is increasing as the 40-year-old prepares for tonight's rematch with Belarus.

Stoichkov quits
Following Bulgaria's disappointing 0-0 draw at home against Albania on 28 March, Hristo Stoichkov vowed to carry on as coach, but within two weeks, the greatest player in his nation's history had resigned, taking up a new role as coach of Spanish side RC Celta de Vigo.

Stoilov pedigree
Forced to make a quick replacement, the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) called upon PFC Levski Sofia coach Stoilov to lead the team into their back-to-back qualifiers against Belarus. Fresh from winning two successive Bulgarian titles, the former international led Levski to the UEFA Cup quarter-finals in 2005/06 before taking them into the UEFA Champions League group stage for the first time this season.

Bar raised
That latter achievement has raised the bar for all Bulgarian sides, and the 2-0 Group G win in Minsk against Belarus has added to Stoilov's reputation as a miracle worker. The side that had looked lifeless against Albania was suddenly brimming with determination, with Tottenham Hotspur FC striker Dimitar Berbatov oozing class and scoring both of his side's goals.

Repeat performance
A top Bulgarian player in the 1990s, albeit never with the profile of Stoichkov, Emil Kostadinov, Krassimir Balakov, Yordan Lechkov or Lyuboslav Penev, Stoilov is looking to keep focused for today's rematch in Sofia. "The most important thing is to keep the team spirit and commitment from Saturday," he said. "I want to see a side that is fighting to win and playing attacking football."

Top spots
With the second-placed Netherlands not in action, victory would lift Bulgaria into the qualification places along with Romania, who face Slovenia tonight for the second time in four days. "This is a most important match for the team if we want to reach the finals," said Stoilov. "The players must realise that. If we win then we may move up to second in the table or even to the top."

Bulgarian dilemma
If that happens, the BFU will be left with a real dilemma on their hands. President Borislav Mihailov pledged to appoint a foreign coach after Stoilov completes his planned two-match tenure tonight. However, if Bulgaria win again, fans will be demanding they stick with a local hero.