FRANCE 98 – General Media News Template
Bulgaria’s Luboslav Penev, whose problems with cancer forced him to miss the last World Cup in the USA, is delighted to have another chance at World Cup glory. The player underwent surgery for testicular cancer fours years ago and had to miss Bulgaria’s heroics in grabbing fourth spot in the World Cup later that year.
But, since his problems, the 31-year-old forward has seen a dramatic upswing in his fortunes, perhaps because of his undoubted fighting spirit in battling back from his health problems. Penev’s 16 league goals in 1996 were a major reason for his then club Atletico Madrid’s revival in the Spanish league. And he celebrated the end of the season with championship and cup winner’s medals as Atletico claimed the double.
“It’s just great to have this chance after missing the USA,” said Penev at the team’s headquarters at Le Coudray Montceaux, 30km south of Paris.
The talents of Hristo Stoichkov, Emil Kostadinov and Penev have produced great performances for Bulgaria down the years and Penev believed they could do well here.
“All the pressure is on Spain and Nigeria and if we qualify, it’s a bonus,” Penev said.
Krassimir Balakov was eager for a repeat of their triumph in the States. “We are in a tough group and I think Spain are going to win it. Paraguay, Nigeria and Bulgaria are playing for one spot. It would be great if we could get through.”
Goalkeeper Borislav Mihaylov thought a lot of the success in USA 94 was down to Stoichkov, but now he believed there was no outstanding individual but they played well as a team. “I think the team can do just as well this time,” Mihaylov added.
Over the years squabbling has been a problem with Bulgaria. But arguments and wrangling in qualifying for the last World Cup transformed into impressive team spirit.
The arguments still go on, but few would put their hand on their heart and say Bulgaria had no chance of reaching the second round. Stoichkov, whose taste for controversy at one time was a destabilising factor in the squad, shot to fame as his goals and personality were major force in their last World Cup success. He ended up top scorer in the tournament.
His form is now not up to the same high standard as the years have taken their toll, but the former European footballer of the year has the star quality every championship-winning team needs. The Bulgars’ strong group of Spain, Nigeria, who beat Bulgaria 3-0 in USA 94, and Paraguay means reaching the second round will be a tough proposition.
Bulgaria’s first match is against Paraguay in Montpellier on Friday. Their performance in the qualifying rounds passed off smoothly. They headed their group clear of Russia and coach Hristo Bonev was optimistic about their prospects.
“Euro 96 was a bad tournament for us,” coach Bonev said. “I have been continually saying that this team can do very well, even though some of them are at the end of their careers.” The players at my disposal have been playing for years and know each other’s game inside out. But I do have some good younger players too and hopefully our blend of youth and experience will stand us in good stead. ”
Bonev is counting on the likes of 24-year-old Marian Hristov, an exciting midfield talent who will have gained valuable experience with Kaiserslautern in the German Bundesliga.