Bulgaria's U22 men's national team completed the European Championship qualification tournament flawlessly, achieving three victories in three matches. Thus, Ventsislav Simeonov's "Lions" left no doubt that they deserve their place among the best on the continent.
Bulgaria subdued Spain and solidified its leadership
In their final group match, played in the packed "Samokov Arena" in Samokov, Bulgaria defeated Spain 3:1 (25:27, 25:11, 25:21, 25:13). The Spaniards started ambitiously and managed to snatch the first set 27:25, but the Bulgarian volleyball players reacted like true favorites. They tightened their ranks and imposed undisputed dominance, especially in the second set, which they won overwhelmingly 25:11 after a series of points that led to an 8:4 lead, then 16:7, and finally 21:9.
Opportunity for everyone in the squad and excellent team play
Having secured their qualification after their second match, coach Ventsislav Simeonov gave more of his chosen players the opportunity to perform in the final encounter. Georgi Bachvarov was the top scorer with 17 points, while Nikolay Ivanov and Kristian Andreev added 16 each. Konstantin Dinov and Tomislav Rusev contributed 9 and 8 points, respectively.
In the third set, the Bulgarians again held the initiative and closed it at 25:21 to take a 2:1 lead in sets. The fourth set was reminiscent of the rout in the second "the Lions" built up a lead from the start and confidently surged towards the final 25:13, which sealed their triumph.
Undefeated in Samokov
Earlier in the tournament, the Bulgarian volleyball players were emphatic against the Netherlands and Norway, whom they defeated with a score of 3:0 each. Thus, the team finishes the qualification cycle with an impressive balance "three wins from three matches and only one set lost.
Next is the big European stage
In this way, Bulgaria deservedly won first place in the group and will have the honor of competing for European glory at the upcoming European U22 Men's Championship. After the final whistle, the crowd in Samokov sent off their heroes with thunderous applause, and the emotion in the stands was more than indicative of the expectations and hopes that fans place on this talented generation.
