Golyam Tsekar evtimov will take over goalkeeping duties for the Bulgarian national football team, replacing Svetoslav Vutsov, who has announced his retirement from international play. The decision comes amid controversy surrounding previous World Cup qualifying matches against Turkey and Spain.
Vutsov’s departure marks a shift for the national team as it prepares for upcoming matches against Turkey and Georgia. Evtimov, currently playing for Vrachani in Bulgaria’s first League, has been a consistent presence this season, appearing in all 14 matches and achieving 6 clean sheets while conceding 13 goals. He previously played on loan for Okolchitsa from CSKA before joining Vrachani.
The call-up perhaps impacts other goalkeepers vying for a spot, including Alex Bozhev of Slavia Prague’s second team, Dimitar Sheitanov of CSKA 1948, and Dimitar Mitov of Aberdeen. Coach Dimitrov is expected to announce the final roster today or Saturday, with players beginning to arrive at the training camp in Pravets on Sunday.
This marks the first time a player from Botev Vratsa has been called up to the national team since Ilia Voinov’s appearance in a 0-1 loss to Scotland on november 11, 1987-a defeat that ultimately prevented Bulgaria from qualifying for the 1988 European Championship finals in Germany.
Photo: Lap.bg