Our prediction for this Nations League match:
Bulgaria
Match Time & Date:
20/03/2025
20:45
Prediction: 0-1
Ireland
Bulgaria will try to claim a major scalp when they face Republic of Ireland in the Nations League relegation final, first leg. The Bulgarians head into the match following a 1-1 draw with Belarus, but they will have to do it without suspended midfielder Georgi Milanov this time out. Levski Sofia forward Aleksandar Kolev did not make the cut despite overcoming his injury.
The Boys in Green, on the other hand, are seen as favourites to win this double-header, but they will have to prove their worth on the field. QPR defender Jimmy Dunne is expected to make his Ireland debut against Bulgaria, while Bristol City striker Sinclair Armstrong is back to the squad. As important midfielder Will Smallbone has overcome his long-term injury, we are tempted to place our bets on Heimir Hallgrimsson’s troops. Bear in mind that under 2.5 goals have been netted in six of the previous seven meetings between the two sides.
Highlighted Team (Bulgaria):
Bulgaria national football team are well known for their “Golden generation” of players led by Hristo Stoichkov. The Bulgarian football legend was producing thrilling performances for the national team at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in USA and he helped the Lions make it to the semi-finals of the tournament.
The likes of Trifon Ivanov, Krasimir Balakov and Yordan Letchkov enjoyed a very successful tournament as well and, no doubt, they recorded a historical result at the 1994 FIFA World Cup. The Bulgarians defeated Germany in the quarter-finals, but Italy proved to be a big catch for Dimitar Penev’s team. Bulgaria eventually suffered a heavy loss to Sweden in the third-place playoffs. Nowadays, Bulgaria struggle in qualifiers for major tournaments and it has to be noted that they have not participated at the finals since 1994.
Vasil Levski National Stadium is considered Bulgaria’s home ground and the capacity of the stadium is 43.320. Bulgaria wear white shirts, green shorts and white socks when playing at home, whilst green and red are their second colours.
Croatia 
France
Denmark 
Portugal 
Italy 
Germany 
Netherlands 
Spain
Ukraine 
Belgium
Brazil 
Colombia 
