Futsal: a poor first half costs 4-1 defeat to Bulgaria

The Titans go into their final group fixture with the race for second place still wide open. A win over Bulgaria would lift Osimani’s men to four points and leave their fate in Austria’s hands. A draw or defeat would in any case not be enough to keep hopes of reaching the Main Round alive. The start is promising for San Marino, who after just 13 seconds force Kirov into a diving save down to the corner to turn away Busignani’s powerful, accurate right-footed effort. It is the Biancazzurri who take the initiative, with Bulgaria defending deep in a low block. Yet with their first real foray forward, Koychev’s men strike. Belloni cannot keep hold of the ball in midfield and the ensuing overload leads to the Bulgarian opener, scored by Dimov on 6 minutes. The pattern of the game does not change: San Marino make the play and go close to equalising in quick succession through Pasqualini and Ercolani. The Titans are fully in the contest, as underlined by Moretti’s off-target toe-poke midway through the half. On 12 minutes the equaliser seems to have arrived from a set piece as Busignani picks out Ercolani, who protests for a handball block that keeps the ball out. That this is not one of the luckiest halves in recent memory is shown by what happens in the 14th minute: a stunning reflex save by Kirov on Maiani’s tap-in denies the possible leveller for the Sammarinese winger, and from the resulting counter-attack at the other end, Bulgaria double their lead through Asenov. Even so, the Titans keep dictating the play and creating clear chances, as in the move that sends Zafferani through on Kirov – again monumental. Everything seems to be going the wrong way when Baharov bursts down the flank and shoots against Protti’s hand, the goalkeeper having come out of his area. The Sammarinese shot-stopper is shown a red card, leaving San Marino a man down and paving the way for Jacopo Pazzini’s senior debut. The debutant is saved by the crossbar from the resulting direct free-kick on the edge, but then proves decisive in keeping out Dobrichov’s 10-metre penalty. The Bulgarian will, however, make amends right at the end of the half, his left-footed strike glancing off the post on its way in to make it 3-0 at the break. At the start of the second half Kirov, the game’s standout performer, is immediately called into action to deal with a left-foot toe-poke by Busignani. The Bulgarian keeper then loses the ball as he steps out, but Pasqualini’s transition ends with a deflected effort cleared off the line. From the ensuing corner, Moretti clips the crossbar. Bulgaria’s reply comes through Kuzov, first blocked at the last moment by Franciosi and then wayward with a volley. San Marino push their pressing line higher, inevitably exposing themselves to some risk. Pazzini reacts well to deny Tsvetanov, and at the other end Mattioli drags the Titans back into it with a fine diagonal finish that leaves Kirov no chance. Three games out of three with a goal for the Biancazzurri, who put everything into chasing a comeback. The Bulgarians settle into an even more defensive approach than they had planned before kick-off. Their tactic pays off: as the minutes tick by and fatigue sets in, San Marino struggle to find effective combinations. At the other end, their opponents crown a day when everything goes their way with Dobrichov’s thunderous volley from a corner routine. Three goals down with three minutes left on the clock, the Titans turn to the flying goalkeeper – in this case Moretti. The numerical superiority brings a set piece that Busignani hammers with full power against Kirov’s woodwork. Bulgaria find it difficult to defend this situation and again have to rely on their goalkeeper to deny Moretti and, especially, Ercolani on 38 minutes. The Preliminary Round of Futsal EURO 2026 qualifying ends in a defeat that is anything but deserved for San Marino. Osimani’s men went down 4-1 to Bulgaria after long spells in control and with the better of the play, with the difference ultimately made by their opponents’ composure in the key moments – and by an outstanding day for Kirov, virtually unbeatable despite the numerous chances created by the Biancazzurri.

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Futsal EURO 2026, Preliminary Round – Matchday 3 | San Marino-Bulgaria 1-4 SAN MARINO Protti, Pasqualini, Busignani, Moretti, Ercolani Substitutes: Pazzini, Geri, Maiani, Franciosi, Mattioli, Zafferani, Ceccoli, Belloni, Toccaceli Head coach: Roberto Osimani   BULGARIA Kirov, Dobrichov, Minchev, Baharov, Kuzov Substitutes: Pavlov, Spasov, Tsvetanov, Asenov, Stepanov, Petrov, Dimov, Stoykov, Shalamanov Head coach: Delyan Koychev   First referee: Darko Boskovic (SUI) Second referee: Mislav Džeko (CRO) Third referee: Admir Zahovič (SNV) Timekeeper: Daniel Stauber (AUT) Scorers: 5'26" Dimov, 13'56" Asenov, 18'51", 36'40" Dobrichov, 28'09" Mattioli Booked: Zafferani, Spasov, Busignani, Asenov, Dobrichov Sent off: 18'15" Protti Notes: 18'31" Pazzini saves a 10-metre penalty

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