Berbatov brightens Bulgaria
Saturday, 4 September 2004
By Stefán Stefánsson at Laugardalsvöllur stadium
[1] Dimitar Berbatov scored twice to ensure Hristo Stoitchkov's Bulgaria began their Group 8 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with a comfortable victory away to Iceland in Reykjavik.
Point to prove
[2] The Bayer 04 Leverkusen striker gave Bulgaria a two-goal cushion by the 49th minute, and though Eidur Gudjohnsen's penalty pulled Iceland back into the game, a third from Hristo Yanev completed a comfortable victory for a Bulgaria side intent on making amends for a disappointing showing at UEFA EURO 2004™.
Down to earth
[3] Iceland, despite being without the injured Runar Kristinsson, came into the game on a high after beating Italy last month, but Ásgeir Sigurvinsson's side were soon brought back down to earth by a sparkling Bulgaria who went ahead on 35 minutes when Berbatov latched on to a pass from Chavdar Yankov before firing in.
Berbatov doubles up
[4] Iceland had no answer and four minutes into the second-half Berbatov struck again. This time Valeri Bojinov was the provider, working room for the striker to shoot low past Árni Gautur Arason in the Iceland goal.
Gudjohnsen penalty
[5] Two minutes later Iceland found a foothold in the match when Thordur Gudjonsson was brought down just inside the area, allowing Chelsea FC forward Gudjohnsen to halve the deficit from the penalty spot. The home side had seemingly turned the momentum their way, but they could not make further headway against some resolute Bulgarian defending and eventually fell further behind.
Yanev third
[6] Substitute Yanev added the third on 62 minutes with a free-kick from the left side of the penalty area. Arason was caught off guard by the quickly-taken set piece from 22 metres and though he did manage to get his hands on Yanev's strike, he could only deflect the ball into the goal.
Gunnarsson dismissed
[7] Bulgaria had no trouble holding on to their two-goal lead and Iceland's frustrations were evident as the bookings mounted. Five yellow cards were shown in all to the home side, two to Brynjar Björn Gunnarsson who was sent off in the 83rd minute. He will now miss Iceland's second Group 8 tie in Hungary on Wednesday. Bulgaria next face Croatia away in October.