Estonia late show ends Bulgaria's perfect start
Friday, September 6, 2013
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Bulgaria 1-1 Estonia
Nikita Baranov struck in the 95th minute in Lovech to end the home side'ss 100% start to 2015 qualifying Group 2.
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Nikita Baranov struck in the 95th minute in Lovech to earn a point for Estonia and end Bulgaria's 100% start to UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying.
When Radoslav Kirilov put the hosts ahead in the first half it appeared Mihail Madanski's men would make it three wins from three following their pair of 3-0 successes against Andorra. However, FC Flora Tallinn defender Baranov snatched an equaliser deep into added time to leave Estonia two points behind tonight's opponents having in Group 2 played a game more.
After a subdued opening the home side went ahead with the first real opening as Milen Gamakov released Kirilov on the left and the speedy winger made no mistake as he slotted between the legs of Marko Meerits on 20 minutes. Estonia No9 Artur Rättel wasted a great chance to level nine minutes later but sent his header just over when well placed, a fate shared by team-mate Maksim Lipin shortly after.
Kirilov had a shot from an angle well saved after the interval and Meerits needed to be on his toes to deny Simeon Slavchev as Bulgaria looked to close out the game, but Estonia punished them. Winning a first corner of the game, Brent Lepistu floated a ball in and Baranov was on hand to fire in on the rebound after an initial effort was blocked.