Volleyball…Beijing 2008

From the sofia news

Martin Stoev, the head coach of the Bulgarian men’s volleyball team, could resign from the job after the Beijing Olympics next year.

“After the Olympics, I’ll be stepping down as national team coach. I can’t tell you the reasons for it, but that’s what I am thinking,” he told daily Trud.

Stoev, who turned 36 on Monday, has praised his team, which finished third at last year’s World Championships and grabbed the same place at the World Cup this year, securing their place on the podium with a 3-0 win over Argentina on Sunday.

Brazil Vs Bulgaria

Russia Vs Bulgaria

Bulgaria received the wild card from the FIVB for the upcoming World Cup ahead of teams such as France and Italy. A little controversial seeing as they finished 8th at European Championships. However, they will be gunning for a top 3 spot, emulating their achievement at the World Championships in 2006, as anything less, will put them back in the pack against some quality teams in the European Qualifiers. Seem’s as though TV ratings have a lot to do with gaining a wild card these days, another reason Korea got the one from the host…

The Sohpia Echo has reported that Wild Card recipient and 2006 World Championship Bronze Medailists Bulgaria is aiming for a top 3 finish. At the European Continental Qualifiers, there will be a lot of strong teams, including France, Poland, Serbia and Holland, the World Cup is considered their best chance to qualify. Whilst Brazil and Russia are the favourites, coach Stoev has said they must find a way to get past Spain and the USA, as they are assuming they will have no problems with the other teams. Considering their 8th place finish at the recent Euro Champs, they were lucky to be granted a wildcard. Or were they…?