Bulgaria joy in Japan

Japan 1-2 Bulgaria
An early goal from Svetoslav Todorov and a late Hristo Yanev effort ensured Bulgaria victory against FIFA World Cup finalists Japan in Osaka.

Under strength
Bulgaria coach Hristo Stoitchkov was without the services of several first-team players in this first match of his preparations for the start of UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying later this year. However, even shorn of captain Stilian Petrov, Dimitar Berbatov and Radostin Kishsihev, his side put on a solid performance in the opening game of a three-nation friendly tournament also involving Scotland.

Early advantage
Portsmouth FC striker Todorov arrived in Japan just hours before kick-off but was certainly not in sluggish mood as he opened the scoring inside the first minute, following good work from PFC CSKA Sofia's Yordan Todorov. Japan tried to fight back but found Bulgaria goalkeeper Stoyan Kolev in top form. The hosts eventually equalised in the 76th minute through Seichiro Maki, following a goalmouth scramble.

Last-gasp goal
Undeterred, the European team went forward in search of the winner and were able to claim victory when Yanov struck with a 30-metre free-kick in added time. Bulgaria will now play Scotland in Kobe on Thursday. The tournament winners will be decided when Scotland take on Japan in Saitama on Saturday.