Baltanov ends Kazakhstan resistance
Thursday, September 3, 2009
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Bulgaria 3-0 Kazakhstan
It was a case of third game lucky for Bulgaria as Lachezar Baltanov scored twice to earned them their first points in Group 6.
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Lachezar Baltanov scored twice as Bulgaria earned their first points at the third time of asking by overcoming early Group 6 leaders Kazakhstan 3-0 at the Gradski Stadium in Lovech.
Tonev strike
The visitors remained resilient until two goals in six second-half minutes turned the game in the home side's favour. Alexandar Tonev broke the deadlock on 58 minutes and Baltanov struck his first shortly after to deflate Samvel Kostandyan's charges. Baltanov rounded off the victory in added time.
Kiki denied
The home side dominated the first half in terms of ball possession but spurned two good chances. First, forward Tonev was put through against goalkeeper Nikita Kalmykov in the eighth minute but shot wide, then midfielder Dani Kiki had a powerful shot midway through the half parried by the goalkeeper.
Vital change
Bulgaria coach Ivan Kolev introduced Viktor Petakov for Galin Ivanov and the change reaped its reward when the substitute crossed for Tonev to score. Bulgaria doubled their lead when Kiki's corner was headed in by unmarked captain Baltanov. The PFC Levski Sofia striker added his second at the death with a sublime free-kick to leave Kazakhstan on four points from as many games.