Aleksandrov wants more from Bulgaria

While still ruing the missed opportunities that cost his side dear in their opening Group A match against Hungary, captain Mihail Aleksandrov is hoping Bulgaria's luck has turned as they prepare to take on Germany in the UEFA European Under-19 Championship.

Opportunity missed
Mihail Madanski's team created a series of presentable openings in their game against their fellow finals debutants in Prague on Monday, yet it was Hungary striker Krisztián Németh who struck the only goal ten minutes in. "We had great opportunities, we were the better side but we didn't take our chances," Aleksandrov told uefa.com. "We played better than Hungary but they scored from one of their opportunities and we didn't manage to do that. We need to improve our approach and we must show better spirit than other teams. Now we're looking forward to the next two games and we're hoping to win them both."

Squad strength
The BV Borussia Dortmund midfielder has spent the past year in Germany and knows only too well what it will take for Bulgaria to overcome a side who opened the finals with an impressive victory against holders Spain – although he believes it is the unity in his squad that could prove decisive. "Our team is based around 18 players, not just eleven – it doesn't matter who starts the game, what's important is that we get to the next round. We must be patient, stick to our own game and play for the national team of Bulgaria and our country – and do our best. We have no stars, we play as a squad in every game. We don't know who the best player in our team is and that's our biggest strength."

Team ethic
With the top three teams in each of the two sections earning a place in next year's FIFA U-20 World Cup, Bulgaria's initial target is clear – but Aleksandrov is aiming even higher. "Of course we want to get to the World Cup in Egypt but it would be better to get to the semi-finals here," he said. "As captain my role is the same as the other ten players on the pitch – it's not important who does what, what matters is to get the team to the next round. The spirit is good in our squad because we played very well in our first game and we want to improve that against Germany – and hopefully have some more luck."