Under-17: Bulgaria win emphatically in the final group match

After two fine performances against Switzerland and Slovakia, San Marino’s Under-17 side endured an off day against Bulgaria – who were chasing a big win to make the most of any potential tie on points with the Swiss, promoted to League A along with the hosts after the draw in their head-to-head on the final matchday.

In today’s clash, Bulgaria came flying out of the blocks and broke the deadlock through Angelov in the 2nd minute. The wide midfielder fired diagonally past the San Marino keeper from a Grozdanov assist, with the latter a major protagonist of the lunch match that wrapped up Group 10 in League B Round 1 of qualifying for the 2026 U-17 EURO. Stefanov’s boys continued to press relentlessly, making the most of their clear athleticism and physicality. San Marino gradually found more balance on the pitch and, on 15 minutes, threatened down the Zavoli–Bucchi axis, the latter unleashing a shot from the edge of the area that flew just centimetres wide of the upright.

Just when the Young Titans seemed well and truly back in the game, a few defensive lapses and a pitch made heavy by strong wind and driving rain swung the contest firmly in Bulgaria’s favour. Shortly before the half-hour mark, Angelov pounced on a ball that had held up on the three-quarter line and set up Grozdanov – ruthless with his header. Grozdanov was back on the scoresheet a few minutes later, latching onto another delivery from the flank to beat Bucci to the ball and render futile the San Marino defenders’ last-ditch recovery attempts. Before the break, the 4-0 scoreline that took the teams into the dressing rooms was complete: a prodigious Bucci save from a corner was not enough. The loose ball in the box was picked up by Popov, who got his name on the scoresheet with a simple tap-in.

Still not satisfied, the Bulgarians approached the second half with the same determination, winning a penalty after a chaotic move in which Popov had already struck the base of the post. From the spot, the right winger converted to seal his brace and make it 5-0. Midway through the half San Marino re-emerged, combining well despite the heavy pitch: Bucchi and Montebelli linked up neatly, freeing the latter for a shot from the edge that skimmed the crossbar. As the minutes ticked by, the energy levels of both sides dipped – understandable in a third match in six days. The final chance fell to San Marino and involved Ciacci, who in the 86th minute slipped Montebelli through on goal against Zdravkov – decisive in preserving the Bulgarian clean sheet. His later stop on the same San Marino forward deep into added time was more straightforward and effectively drew a line under the contest. Both teams will be involved in League B Round 2 next spring. Slovakia and Switzerland’s Under-17 national teams, instead, are promoted to League A and thus remain in the hunt for the continental title.

Under-17 European Championship Qualifiers, Round 1 MD3 | San Marino – Bulgaria 0-5

SAN MARINO (3-5-2)

Bucci; Sammaritani, Stefani, Terni; Montali (82’ Berardi), Bucchi, Mazza (46’ Monaldi), Cervellini (46’ Ciacci), Zavoli (72’ Pala); Raschi (59’ Balsimelli), Montebelli

Substitutes: Michelotti, Valentini, Prendi, Muccioli

Head coach: Alessandro Loris Bonesso

BULGARIA (4-4-2)

Zdravkov; Kalchev, Ivanov (46’ Tsenov), Penchev, Kerezov; Popov (68’ Marinov), Dobrev (60’ Petkov), Vutov (46’ Nesterov), Angelov; Neshev, Grozdanov (60’ Bayrakov)

Substitutes: Panayotov, Mustafa, Stoykov

Head coach: Svetoslav Stefanov

Referee: Mehmet Türkmen (TUR)

Assistant referees: Anıl Usta (TUR), Patrik Kmec (SVK)

Fourth official: Lukáš Dzivjak (SVK)

Scorers: 2’ Angelov, 27’ and 32’ Grozdanov, 41’ and 57’ (p) Popov

Booked: Zavoli, Montebelli