Bulgaria 1-0 Northern Ireland
Kiril Despodov hits winner in 40th minute
Bulgaria 1-0 Northern Ireland
Conor Bradley seeing more of it too which is exactly what Northern Ireland need.
The Liverpool man arrows a great pass into Isaac Price but Bulgaria snuff out the danger.
Bulgaria 1-0 Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland enjoying more ball as the pitch continues to cause issues.
The visitors are trying to lift the tempo but the ball is getting held up time and time again on this surface.
Bulgaria 1-0 Northern Ireland
John O'Neill
Former Northern Ireland defender on BBC Radio Ulster
This is the worst pitch I have ever seen and I can't understand how Uefa could allow them to play on this pitch.
Bulgaria 1-0 Northern Ireland
John O'Neill
Former Northern Ireland defender on BBC Radio Ulster
I am hoping that we are going to get more of the ball and create some sort of threat.
We need to be careful they don't get us on the counter-attack but in the few opening minutes of the second half, we have been on the ball a little bit more and I'm hoping they give us the space to play.
Image source, Press EyeNorthern Ireland's Isaac Price lets fly with a shot
Bulgaria 1-0 Northern Ireland
A different tempo to NI so far in this half.
They're moving the ball much better.
Jamal Lewis gets into a good crossing position but the ball is overhit.
Bulgaria 1-0 Northern Ireland
Shea Charles puts in a teasing delivery from a corner, right on the goalkeeper.
Mitov does well to deal with it and gets a free-kick too.
Bulgaria 1-0 Northern Ireland
Back underway in Plovdiv.
No changes from either side.
HT: Bulgaria 1-0 Northern Ireland
Jim Magilton
Former Northern Ireland midfielder on BBC Radio Ulster
I think Ross McCausland will come on.
Pace can obviously impact the game and he has that blistering pace and he can play on both sides, he may even play through the middle.
HT: Bulgaria 1-0 Northern Ireland
Bulgaria probably feel they should be more than one ahead, even if they were gifted the the goal they do have.
Will we see a better Northern Ireland after the break? There's certainly room for improvement.
Image source, Press EyeAction from the first half
HT: Bulgaria 1-0 Northern Ireland
Jim Magilton
Former Northern Ireland midfielder on BBC Radio Ulster
They [Northern Ireland] have to go and play now. There is no excuse now, you can make all the excuses after the game about the pitch but you have to go and play.
I think Michael [O'Neill] will make a few changes.
HT: Bulgaria 1-0 Northern Ireland
Keith Gillespie
Former Northern Ireland winger on BBC Radio Ulster
If you are going to concede goals you don't want to hand them it like we did. We saw their free-kick and if that goes into the top corner then you hold your hands up and think that's a great goal. But the manner that Northern Ireland concede is disappointing.
HT: Bulgaria 1-0 Northern Ireland
Jim Magilton
Former Northern Ireland midfielder on BBC Radio Ulster
For an international match to be played on that sort of surface is nothing short of a disgrace.
HT: Bulgaria 1-0 Northern Ireland
John O'Neill
Former Northern Ireland defender on BBC Radio Ulster
Bulgaria dropped off a little bit in their closing down since they scored the goal and I'm hoping if they do that in the second half it will give us a chance to get on the ball and maybe create something.
HT: Bulgaria 1-0 Northern Ireland
Image source, Press EyeNorthern Ireland's Trai Hume
HT: Bulgaria 1-0 Northern Ireland
John O'Neill
Former Northern Ireland defender on BBC Radio Ulster
It's been disappointing. We haven't offered anything going forward.
Bulgaria 1-0 Northern Ireland
There's the half-time whistle and it brings to a close a poor 45 minutes from Northern Ireland.
The pitch is clearly an issue but the visitors never got out of the blocks.
They could have fallen behind a couple of times before Despodov found the net.
Hard to know whether the performance, or the nature of the goal they conceded, will irk O'Neill more as he addresses his players at the break.
Image source, Press EyeHT Score in Plovdiv
Bulgaria 1-0 Northern Ireland
Into three minutes of added time at the end of the first-half.
Bulgaria 1-0 Northern Ireland
John O'Neill
Former Northern Ireland defender on BBC Radio Ulster
They probably deserve it to be in front, but the annoying thing about it is we have provided the goal for them on a plate and that just drives you mad.
Bulgaria 1-0 Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland produce a bit of a response to going behind.
First a Shea Charles ball into the box causes some panic among the Bulgarian defence before Dan Ballard heads over a Conor Bradley free-kick.
Better from NI.
Bulgaria 1-0 Northern Ireland
John O'Neill
Former Northern Ireland defender on BBC Radio Ulster
That is a howler from Bailey Peacock-Farrell but in his defence, Ciaron Brown should never have given him the ball there, he knows the condition of the pitch.
Northern Ireland improved in the second half but could not find an equaliser in Plovdiv
Northern Ireland's strong run of form came to an end with a frustrating 1-0 Nations League defeat by Bulgaria in Plovdiv.
Kiril Despodov was gifted the opening goal in the 40th minute when Aleksandar Kolev latched on to a loose pass by goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell and he squared the ball for the Bulgarian captain to touch home.
Northern Ireland travelled to Bulgaria off the back of a solid win over Luxembourg in their Nations League opener on Thursday, which was their fourth victory in six matches.
But Michael O'Neill's side struggled to get to grips with the game on a difficult pitch and stifling heat in Plovdiv as the the hosts also hit the post twice in the first half.
Northern Ireland improved after the restart but could not find an equaliser against a stern Bulgarian defence.
The result, along with Belarus' 1-0 win in Luxembourg, leaves Northern Ireland third in Group C3 after two matches.
Backed by their vocal support, Bulgaria, who were unbeaten in seven matches heading into the game, should have taken the lead in the fourth minute after a chaotic goalmouth scramble.
Georgi Kostadinov forced Peacock-Farrell into a superb save from a corner and Kolev powered the rebound towards goal. Ciaron Brown had to scramble the forward's effort off the line but his clearance smashed off Aleks Petkov, who inadvertently hit the upright before Peacock-Farrell was able to smother the danger.
Despite half-chances for Isaac Price, Daniel Ballard and Conor Bradley, it was a sign of things to come.
Moments after firing wide from range, the impressive Despodov fired in a free-kick that rattled the post and bounced out of play.
PAOK midfielder Despodov was dictating play and his stunning through ball almost set up Kolev, but the forward's lobbed finish lacked the power to trouble Peacock-Farrell.
Northern Ireland were almost gifted the opener when Aleks Petkov misjudged Ballard's long ball, which allowed Isaac Price through on goal but he rushed his effort, which flew well wide.
But, in contrast, Bulgaria made no mistake when handed a chance of their own as Peacock-Farrell's pass caught Ballard on his toes inside the area, which allowed Kolev to race in and square the ball for Despodov to tap home at the back post.
Ballard had a great chance to equalise in the final play of the half when he headed over Bradley's cross.
Northern Ireland started the second half on the front foot but struggled to create many clear-cut chances.
Dion Charles saw an attempt well blocked just shy of the hour mark and substitute Shayne Lavery fired straight at Dimitar Mitov before being adjudged to have been offside.
Lavery had another sight of goal with three minutes to play but he headed Jamal Lewis' cross over the bar.
Just like in the first half, Ballard had a header on goal deep into injury-time but it sailed wide as Northern Ireland's hopes of rescuing a point ended.
Northern Ireland are back in action away to Belarus on 12 October before Bulgaria travel to Belfast three days later.
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 6 |
| |
| 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| |
| 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 5 | -2 | 0 |
|
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | Israel | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
|
| 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
|
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 0 |
| |
| 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | -5 | 0 |
|
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 6 |
| |
| 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 1 |
| |
| 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 6 | -5 | 0 |
|
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 6 |
| |
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 6 |
| |
| 3 | Azerbaijan | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 0 |
|
| 4 | Estonia | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | -4 | 0 |
|
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | Cyprus | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
|
| 3 | Lithuania | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
|
| 4 | Kosovo | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 0 |
|
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Belarus | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
|
| 2 | Bulgaria | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| |
| 4 | Luxembourg | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 0 |
|
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Armenia | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
|
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 3 | Faroe Islands | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
|
| 4 | Latvia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 0 |
|
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Marino | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
|
| 2 | Gibraltar | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
|
| 3 | Liechtenstein | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 1 |
|
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Moldova | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
|
| 2 | Andorra | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
| 3 | Malta | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
|
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 0 |
| |
| 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 0 |
|
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
| |
| 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 0 |
|
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 4 | Kazakhstan | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
|
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 4 | Montenegro | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
|
Manager: Ilian Iliev
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager: Michael O'Neill
Formation: 3 - 4 - 3
Manager: Ilian Iliev
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager: Michael O'Neill
Formation: 3 - 4 - 3
UEFA Nations League
All competitions
All competitions
All competitions
Bulgaria have won three of their four previous home games against Northern Ireland (L1), most recently in a World Cup qualifier in October 2021 (2-1).
Northern Ireland are winless in their last five meetings with Bulgaria (D1 L4), since a 2-0 win at Windsor Park in May 1979 thanks to goals from Chris Nicholl and Gerry Armstrong.
Bulgaria are winless in their last five home games in all competitions (D2 L3), since beating Gibraltar 5-1 in the 2022 UEFA Nations League – the Lions last went six without victory on home turf between September 2010 and May 2012.
Northern Ireland have won just one of their last 10 competitive away internationals (D1 L8), beating then bottom of the FIFA rankings San Marino 2-0 in March 2023.
Bulgaria haven’t kept a clean sheet in any of their last 10 home internationals (16 goals conceded), with their last shutout on home soil coming back in September 2021 in a 1-0 win over Lithuania. The last time they had a longer run without a clean sheet at home was in June 1932 (15 games).
Following 2-0 victories over both Andorra and Luxembourg, Northern Ireland will be aiming to win three consecutive internationals for the first time since September 2019 (a run of five).
Northern Ireland created 2.14 xG and attempted 14 shots in their win over Luxembourg last time out, despite only having 36.5% possession in the game. Indeed, their opponents didn’t manage a single shot on target for a second consecutive game (0 v Luxembourg and Andorra).
Kiril Despodov has been directly involved in six goals in his last seven appearances for Bulgaria (four goals and two assists), although he’s failed to score or assist in any of his five international games against British/Northern Irish sides to date (five appearances).
