Berbatov double inspires Bulgaria win

Dimitar Berbatov scored two goals in as many first-half minutes as Bulgaria beat Luxembourg 3-0 to keep themselves in UEFA EURO 2008™ Group G qualifying contention.

Petrov penalty
The Tottenham Hotspur FC striker was in menacing mood throughout at Sofia's Vasil Levski National Stadium, and had threatened Jonathan Joubert's goal several times before sending the keeper into the back of his net to retrieve the ball on 27 minutes. Sixty seconds later Joubert was forced to repeat the feat after being lobbed by Berbatov and Bulgaria coasted from then on, Martin Petrov completing the scoring from the penalty spot nine minutes after half-time.

Berbatov menace
The win took Dimitar Penev's team within two points of the Group G summit and the only surprise was that the margin of victory was not greater. Berbatov had warmed Joubert's gloves as early as the fifth minute when he met Ivelin Popov's cross with a header and, after firing wide from distance soon after, the No9 then aimed an overhead-kick straight at the custodian. He finally got his goal before the half-hour when he nodded in Stilian Petrov's free-kick from close range – and he did not have to wait long for another, leaving Joubert standing with a fine lob.

Joubert heroics
Berbatov turned provider when he crossed for Martin Petrov but the Manchester City FC winger's volley flew over. The second half began in similar vein, with Stilian Petrov prompting a stop from Joubert, and it was soon 3-0. After Berbatov was fouled by Eric Hoffmann in the box, Martin Petrov converted from the spot. Berbatov, Stanislav Angelov and Chavdar Yankov all had opportunities to extend the advantage and though Joubert denied them all, it mattered not.