Bulgaria reject sweeping changes
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Article summary
Bulgaria coach Plamen Markov will not make radical changes to his team to face Denmark, despite losing 5-0 against Sweden.
Article body
Injury worry
Markov's major concern centres around defender Predrag Pazin, who has missed two training session with an ankle injury and will have a late fitness test. If Pazin is ruled out, Ilian Stoianov will likely replace him, while Marian Hristov and Velizar Dimitrov are expected to shake off a muscle strain and a knee problem to play.
Same formation
The only other change may come at right-back where Vladimir Ivanov could make way for the experienced Daniel Borimirov. Markov will probably retain his 4-4-1-1 formation with the same midfield line of Georgi Peev, Hristov, Stilian Petrov and Martin Petrov. Dimitar Berbatov should lead the line with Zoran Jankovic playing behind him.
Defensive style
"There will be no major changes to the starting eleven. Against Sweden we tried to play some good passing football but, of course, our tactics were not to lose 5-0. At EURO 2004™ the more pragmatic and solid defensive football is the winning style and the result is all important," Markov said.
Spectacular loss
"I would prefer to win with boring football than to lose in a spectacular way like we did against Sweden. We felt exhausted after 60 minutes, but now we must be in good shape for the whole game. I have already spoken to the players and I think mentally we will be ready for our second game - at least I hope so," he added.
Denmark stronger
Markov believes Denmark, who held Italy to a goalless draw on Monday, will be even stronger with the return of Thomas Gravesen from suspension and Jesper Grønkjær, who joined the squad late following the death of his mother.
Experienced players
"Their inclusion will not change the tactical system but with them, Denmark will be even stronger. In some respects the Danes are even stronger than Sweden. They also have players like Jon Dahl Tomasson, Thomas Helveg, Martin Laursen and Martin Jørgensen, who are playing at top European sides," the coach said.
Strength in depth
"The Danes have strength in depth and their substitutes can influence any game. They are a very solid team with strict tactical schemes, and every player fulfils all his tasks. They give 100 per cent in every game," he added.
