Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Hristo Stoichkov brings football emotions and joy to Bulgarian fans with "50 years No. 8"

4
Photo: BULPHOTO

On May 20, 1992 at the Wembley stadium a Bulgarian lifted the European Cup for the first time in football history. This was Hristo Stoichkov with the team of Barcelona and coach Johan Cruyff. Exactly 24 years after this memorable date the legendary Bulgarian striker once again brought joy and lots of football emotions to all fans. With a spectacular football show last night, Stoichkov celebrated his 50th anniversary in front of the full stands of the Vasil Levski National Stadium in Sofia, together with friends and stars of world football.

Under the applause of 40,000 people who crowded the stadium despite the heavy rain, the team of Stoichkov faced the all-star team of the world in a spectacular match that 'N8' team won 4:1. The team of Stoichkov included beloved players such as Txiki Begiristain, Gheorghe Popescu, Antonio Benarrivo, Emil Kostadinov, Yordan Lechkov, Dimitar Berbatov, Gheorghe Hagi, Martin Petrov, Krasimir Balakov, and others. The team of the stars included legends such as Jorge Campos, Vincent Candela, Paolo Maldini, Mauro Camoranesi, Jean-Pierre Papin, Carlos Valderrama, Ludovic Giuly, Ivan Zamorano, Demetrio Albertini and many other great stars who came to Sofia to show respect for Hristo Stoichkov and to Bulgarian football fans.

The legendary striker with No. 8 jersey, known for his relentless style and hot temper, did not hold back his tears before the match when the whole stadium paid tribute and remembered great Bulgarian defender and teammate of Stoichkov in CSKA and the national team - Trifon Ivanov. In the 14th minute of the match tears were again seen on the faces of players and fans who honored the memory of legendary Johan Cruyff. Nostalgia and memories, as well as lots of joy brought by the achievements of a whole generation of players were an integral part of this unique football match.

Krassimir Balakov scored a beautiful first goal of the match for Stoichkov's team after a pass from Emill Kostadinov. Until the end of the first half goalkeeper of the stars Jorge Campos repeatedly intervened decisively to stop Stoichkov's strikes, demonstrating his unique style of play. Just before the halftime there was a new goal for team "No.8" after a cross from Stoichkov and a header by Dimitar Berbatov. At the beginning of the second half Stoichkov made a great surprise to fans when together with some of his former teammates from Barcelona lifted the European Cup - the same one won with Cruyff. Later Martin Petrov replaced Stoichkov on the field and the score quickly turned 3:0. Ludovic Giuly scored a goal for the stars with a skillful shot but in the 65th minute of the game referee Atanas Uzununov called a penalty for the home team and Stoichkov stood behind the ball. With accuracy that is typical for him he scored the 4th goal for his team in the net guarded at the time by Felix Fernandez and the referee ended the game.

"I want to thank fans for the respect they show and for everything I have achieved. This celebration today is not for Hristo Stoichkov, it is for the fans. Without you there would have been no victories," Stoichkov said after the match and bowed in front of loyal fans.

The football celebration on the 20th of May in honor of one of the greatest strikers in the world will remain in the hearts of fans with the passion, the beautiful style of play shown by the legends of football, lots of emotions and awaken memories of the greatest triumphs and greatest football players.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

Gallery

More from category

TENNIS: Grigor Dimitrov through to Stockholm semi-final

Grigor Dimitrov has reached the semi-finals of the hard-court tournament in Stockholm, beating Switzerland's Dominic Stricker 6-3, 6-2. The Bulgarian will play Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor, who beat Holger Rune of Denmark, for a place in..

published on 10/19/24 11:53 AM

Gymnast Kamelia Dunavska gathers rhythmic gymnastics champions for international tournament in Samokov

World and European champion Kamelia Dunavska organised in the town of Samokov an international rhythmic gymnastics tournament called "The Golden Girls... Forever". The competition starts today and will last until Sunday. Almost 500 young athletes..

published on 10/18/24 8:15 AM

Northern Ireland stuns Bulgaria with 5:0 win in UEFA Nations League

The Bulgarian national team suffered a heavy loss against Northern Ireland in the UEFA Nations League. The Bulgarians lost 5:0 against the hosts after a hat trick by Isaac Price, a goal by Josh Magennis and an own goal by goalkeeper..

published on 10/16/24 10:54 AM