OPPOSITION FORM

Three different managers made for a disruptive UEFA EURO 2020 qualifying campaign for Bulgaria, as the side claimed just one victory from their eight group games.

Petar Hubchev was manager at the start of the qualifiers but was replaced by Krasimir Balakov after drawing the opening two Group A games 1-1 against Montenegro and Kosovo. A key member of the legendary Bulgarian side that reached the semi-finals of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, Balakov failed to mirror his achievements as a player with the national team, as defeats against the Czech Republic, Kosovo and two heavy losses against England followed between June and October 2019. Only a 0-0 draw against Montenegro disrupted the unenviable run of straight defeats.

Balakov was replaced by current manager Georgi Dermendzhiev for the final match of the campaign, and a solitary goal from Vasil Bozhikov earned their only victory as the Czech Republic were defeated 1-0 in Sofia. Prior to EURO 2020 qualifying, Bulgaria had enjoyed a relatively successful campaign in the inaugural UEFA Nations League, earning promotion from League C to League B under the management of Hubchev, as they finished two points behind group winners Norway, a team they defeated 1-0 in September 2018 through a goal from Radoslav Vasilev. The side will now look to return to form in the second edition of this competition after a difficult calendar year.