Mladenov goal bolsters Bulgaria
Friday, September 5, 2003
Article summary
Bulgaria 1-0 Estonia Alexander Mladenov's late winner keeps Bulgaria in contention.
Article body
Victory needed
Third in Group 8, Bulgaria needed a victory to move within a point of leaders Croatia and are now only behind second-place Belgium on head-to-head record. Bulgarian forward Dimitar Rangelov hit the post in the first half as his side sought victory against Estonia, bottom of the group without a win.
Penalty miss
Estonia had a chance to end that run on 69 minutes when they were awarded a penalty for a foul on Konstantin Vassiljev - only for the same player to hit the post with his spot-kick.
Late winner
The home side took full advantage six minutes from the end when Hertha BSC Berlin forward Alexander Mladenov headed in Veselin Penev's cross to clinch the game.
Croatian trip
Bulgaria visit Croatia for their final qualifier on 10 October, but the Bulgarians can only still top the group and definitely secure a play-off place if Croatia and Belgium draw their game in hand on Tuesday.
