Balakov back for German test
Tuesday, August 6, 2002
Article summary
Krassimir Balakov heads the list of foreign-based Bulgaria players picked to face Germany.
Article body
Bulgaria coach Plamen Markov has called up veteran playmaker Krassimir Balakov for the friendly international against Germany in Sofia on 21 August despite an injury.
Twelve selected
While the 36-year-old Balakov of VfB Stuttgart is included, striker Svetoslav Todorov of English club Portsmouth FC is not among the 12 foreign-based players Markov has selected and 1. FC Kaiserslautern midfield player Marian Hristov is also absent after a serious knee injury ruled him out until next year. Defender Radoshin Kishishev is in the group despite his fitness problems.
Final test
The rest of the squad will come from local clubs and will be announced later. Bulgaria's meeting with Germany is their final test before the start of their EURO 2004™ qualifying campaign next month.
Foreign-based players
Pazhin, I Petkov, Kishishev, M Petkov, S Petrov, Peev, Balakov, Jankovic, M Petrov, Berbatov, Manchev, Ivanov
