Bulgaria: Stanislav Dimitrov; Alekov, Velkov,
Orachev, Aytov; Petrov, Stoev (Iliya Dimitrov 79'), Despodov, Vutov (Aleksandar
Dimitrov 75'), Ivaylov, Karabelyov (Savov 80').
Spain:
Estanislao Marcellán; Marín, Juanma García,
Quintillá, Rodri (Cañizares 05'); Olabe (Febas 67'), Chirivella,
Adama, Núñez; Javi García (Moha 47'), Pozo. 4-4-2.
Goals: 1-0. 40. Ivaylov.
A set back for Spain in their second group game, a defeat against hosts Bulgaria meaning they will almost certainly have to beat Poland in their last match if they are to be one of the two teams to make it through to the Elite round. Adama and Pozo did have their chances in the first half, but keeper Estanislao Marcellán had to save from Vutov and Alekov before he was finally beaten by an Ivaylov free kick on the stroke of half time. Santi Denía's side could have lost by a bigger margin had Despodov's shot not come back off the crossbar in the second half, but they held on for what could be a key result if it all comes down to goal difference on the last day. Poland beat Azerbaijan 1-0 in the other group match, and if Bulgaria also beat Azerbaijan on Wednesday, it could be down to a three way tie, with head-to-head results between the three teams taking preference. If that is the case, a 1-0 win would not be enough for Spain, and a 2-1 victory would see Poland through as group winners, and Spain's fate would then depend upon whether Bulgaria could beat Azerbaijan by a bigger margin than Spain's 2-0 in the opening game. Under those circumstances, Denía will probably be telling his boys the more goals on Wednesday the better, just so long as they win!