2002 World Cup - Bulgaria 4 Northern Ireland 3

Bulgaria squeezed past a spirited display from Northern Ireland to win 4-3 in Sofia.

The Irishmen from Ulster take a lot of credit but sadly no points from this match with Bulgaria looking well placed to advance to a play off place by joining the Czech Republic as group leaders. The Czechs host Denmark later tonight.

The visitors went behind in the 7th minute when Krassimir Balakov scored a penalty which he won himself after a clumsy tackle from defender Colin Murdoch.

But Sammy McIlroy's team responded with a 15th minute headed equaliser from defender Mark Williams who rose to connect decisively with an inswinging corner.

A low drive from Martin Petrov put Bulgaria back in control only two minutes later when the visitors lost concentration and the game went into a lull until the last 18 minutes.

Krassimir Chomakov scored from close range with Petkov hitting in a cross in the 78th minute to make it 4-1 but back came the Irish.

A last minute penalty from David Healy came after Sturat Elliot had headed in a high cross in the 84th minute and Bulgaria were rocked but hung on for the points.