Former glories inspire Bulgaria

Dallas setback
Bulgaria recovered from that reverse in Dallas to finish fourth at USA '94, their tournament ending with a 4-0 third place play-off loss to Sweden. A decade on, the Bulgarians must bounce back once again having been beaten 5-0 by the Swedes in their first Group C match at UEFA EURO 2004™ - starting on Friday against Denmark in Braga.

'Fight to qualify'
"Nobody believed Bulgaria would reach the semi-finals in 1994," said defender Ilian Stoianov, who did not play at the Estádio José Alvalade. "Obviously we've started with a very bad result against Sweden. Things can only get better for us, and as long as we have a chance of reaching the quarter-finals we will fight to qualify.

'Tough side'
"We need to forget about the Sweden result, that's football, and play for our pride. Denmark were the better team against Italy on Monday and we hope they won't be that good against us. They are a very tough side - strong as a unit and individually - but we hope to surprise them."

'Technical game'
Stoianov's fellow defender Predrag Pazin believes Denmark's attacking formation of two wingers and as many forwards will suit Bulgaria more than Sweden's disciplined approach. "We know the Danish team quite well having played them in [2002] World Cup qualifying," said the FC Shakhtar Donetsk central defender. "They play a more technical game than Sweden which will help us."

Sand duel
Pazin identified Thomas Gravesen, available again after suspension, and Jon Dahl Tomasson as Denmark's most threatening players, but is personally relishing his duel with Ebbe Sand. "In my last two internationals I've marked Jan Koller and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, two completely different strikers to Sand. I think I can keep him quiet."

Focus on Denmark
Pazin, born in Serbia and Montenegro but a Bulgarian citizen since 2000, concluded by dismissing reports of a rift in the camp. "What's been written is totally untrue," he said. "There are no problems and we are completely focused on the game against Denmark."