Israeli escalation in Gaza amid warnings of humanitarian collapse    Tax revenues surge over 40% without new burdens: ETA chief    Egypt's public-private partnership investments hit EGP 19.8bn in FY 2023/2024: Tahoun Consulting    Egypt's PM attends Gabon president's inauguration after election win    Egypt's Abdelatty, US Advisor Boulos hold call on Africa, Middle East stability    On Sport to broadcast Pan Arab Golf Championship for Juniors and Ladies in Egypt    EU ambassador commends Aswan's public healthcare during official visit    Agricultural Bank of Egypt offers 5-year livestock loans at 5% to support small farmers    Golf Festival in Cairo to mark Arab Golf Federation's 50th anniversary    EGP closes high vs. USD on Wednesday    Euro area GDP growth accelerates in Q1'25    Germany's regional inflation ticks up in April    Germany among EU's priciest labour markets – official data    Taiwan GDP surges on tech demand    UNFPA Egypt, Bayer sign agreement to promote reproductive health    Egypt to boost marine protection with new tech partnership    Eygpt's El-Sherbiny directs new cities to brace for adverse weather    Cabinet approves establishment of national medical tourism council to boost healthcare sector    Egypt's Gypto Pharma, US Dawa Pharmaceuticals sign strategic alliance    "5,000 Years of Civilizational Dialogue" theme for Korea-Egypt 30th anniversary event    Egypt FM affirms full support for Somalia's unity, security    Central Bank of Egypt meets Chinese delegation to enhance bilateral relations    Sudan conflict, bilateral ties dominate talks between Al-Sisi, Al-Burhan in Cairo    Cairo's Madinaty and Katameya Dunes Golf Courses set to host 2025 Pan Arab Golf Championship from May 7-10    Egypt's Ministry of Health launches trachoma elimination campaign in 7 governorates    Between Women Filmmakers' Caravan opens 5th round of Film Consultancy Programme for Arab filmmakers    Fourth Cairo Photo Week set for May, expanding across 14 Downtown locations    Egypt's PM follows up on Julius Nyerere dam project in Tanzania    Ancient military commander's tomb unearthed in Ismailia    Egypt's FM inspects Julius Nyerere Dam project in Tanzania    Egypt's FM praises ties with Tanzania    Egypt to host global celebration for Grand Egyptian Museum opening on July 3    Ancient Egyptian royal tomb unearthed in Sohag    Egyptian Minister praises Nile Basin consultations, voices GERD concerns    Paris Olympic gold '24 medals hit record value    A minute of silence for Egyptian sports    Russia says it's in sync with US, China, Pakistan on Taliban    It's a bit frustrating to draw at home: Real Madrid keeper after Villarreal game    Shoukry reviews with Guterres Egypt's efforts to achieve SDGs, promote human rights    Sudan says countries must cooperate on vaccines    Johnson & Johnson: Second shot boosts antibodies and protection against COVID-19    Egypt to tax bloggers, YouTubers    Egypt's FM asserts importance of stability in Libya, holding elections as scheduled    We mustn't lose touch: Muller after Bayern win in Bundesliga    Egypt records 36 new deaths from Covid-19, highest since mid June    Egypt sells $3 bln US-dollar dominated eurobonds    Gamal Hanafy's ceramic exhibition at Gezira Arts Centre is a must go    Italian Institute Director Davide Scalmani presents activities of the Cairo Institute for ITALIANA.IT platform    







Thank you for reporting!
This image will be automatically disabled when it gets reported by several people.



Berbatov says Bulgaria need a miracle at Wembley
Published in Ahram Online on 06 - 09 - 2019

Dimitar Berbatov believes Bulgaria will need a footballing miracle to beat England in their Euro 2020 qualifier against England at Wembley on Saturday but says the Balkan nation could hurt Gareth Southgate's side.
England have racked up 10 goals in two Group A victories against the Czech Republic and Montenegro while Bulgaria have managed only two points from four games and sit joint bottom of the group.
Bulgaria are winless in 10 previous encounters against England and the current squad is light years away from the one that reached the semi-finals of the 1994 World Cup when current manager Krasimir Balakov was their midfield linchpin and former Barcelona striker Hristo Stoichkov banged in six goals.
"The hosts are overwhelming favourites because they have world class players, but miracles happen in football," said former Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United striker Berbatov, Bulgaria's all-time record goalscorer.
"This is a relatively young Bulgarian team. It isn't dominated by one outstanding player, like Histro Stoichkov back in the day, or when I was in the team.
"What I like most about this Bulgarian team is their excellent spirit."
Berbatov, previewing the game in his role as an ambassador for Betfair, picks out 22-year-old striker Kiril Despodov, on loan to Austria's Sturm Graz from Italian club Cagliari, as one player who could cause England problems.
"He could hurt England with his speed and tricks on the ball, so England's defenders need to watch out for him," he said of the 2018 Bulgarian Footballer of the Year.
Defeat at Wembley would leave Bulgaria's hopes of qualifying for the finals looking forlorn but Berbatov hopes Balakov is given time to turn around their fortunes.
"He is a national legend," he said. "I know him well and had the pleasure of playing with him for the national team. He only took over as coach this year, so it's too early to judge him, but I really want Balakov to succeed in the job.
"We're in a difficult qualifying group for Euro 2020 and, if the players give 100%, the fans can't ask for more."
Bulgaria have scored only two goals in their 10 clashes with England while Berbatov is one of only two Bulgarians to score at Wembley -- a statistic he hopes will improve on Saturday.
"I would love for someone else to find the net. In my wildest dreams, I would like us to win it," the 38-year-old said.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)


Clic here to read the story from its source.