Filip Krastev, who spent this winter in the Turkish city of Göztepe (Izmir), put on the captain's armband for the "lions" in the crushing 10:2 victory over the Solomon Islands, leading the team for the first time in his 29 matches so far.
Bulgaria qualified for the final of the "FIFA Series 2026" tournament in Indonesia and with his two goals today, which bring his total goals with the national jersey to four.
„Being a captain means a lot to me. I have always said that the national team is the best emotion. And being a captain, even in such a match, is a great honor. I am happy that I had this opportunity“, said Krastev after the match.
He also paid attention to the conditions under which the match took place, not forgetting to note the merit of the opponent.
"I want to congratulate the opponent Solomon Islands – the boys gave their all. It was clear that some of them were not professionals until recently, but they performed with dignity. It turned out to be a good match, despite the difficult conditions. It was really very hot and humid – this has an impact, even if it is not visible on television“, continued the midfielder.
Despite the convincing result, the midfielder admitted that the team has something to improve. “The result does not deceive us and there were weaknesses, of course. We need to clean up a lot of mistakes – both with and without the ball - both in attack and defense. We should not allow such moments, regardless of the opponent. But we have time to work and improve“, he added.
Krastev has already set his sights on the next challenge in the tournament. Bulgaria is already in the final, and tonight he will find out who he will be arguing with - whether with the hosts from Indonesia or with the modest Caribbean team Saint Kitts and Nevis: “Now we expect a more serious match against Indonesia”, predicted Filip Krastev. “They have quality players and we will have to be much more dynamic. We have to look better in all aspects – tactically, physically and technically. I hope to show a higher level”.
“Every day you go out on the field is a victory. Nothing is certain in life. That's why you have to give your all and enjoy it – "especially when you play for Bulgaria," the technical midfielder concluded.