Dimitar Mitov reignites long-lost Aberdeen connection as 1994 World Cup star beams at Scottish Cup heroics
Prior to Scottish Cup hero Dimitar Mitov's arrival last summer, it had been 25 years since a Bulgarian player had last pulled on the colours of Aberdeen.
Tsanko Tsvetanov and Ilyan Kiryakov both arrived in the Granite City in the summer of 1996 shortly after representing their country at the European Championships in England.
Two years earlier, the duo had starred alongside Barcelona icon Hristo Stoichkov in Bulgaria's memorable run to the semi-finals of the USA 1994 World Cup.
In the group stage, Bulgaria downed an Argentina team 2-0 that featured ex Rangers and Dundee forward Claudio Caniggia, Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone and goal machine Gabriel Batistuta, despite Tsvetanov getting sent off.
After eding out Mexico on penalties in the last 16 they then bested Franz Beckenbauer's reigning champions Germany before bowing out to runners' up Italy courtesy of two goals from Azzuri god Roberto Baggio.
And in an exclusive interview with Record Sport, one of pair from the former Communist state says he was delighted to see the stopper reignite that long-lost link by helping Jimmy Thelin's side down Celtic on penalties to lift the cup for the first time since 1990.
Former defender/midfielder Tsvetanov - who made 49 appearances for the Reds between 1996 and 1998 - quipped: "They won the cup because of the Bulgarian connection! I am so happy for him."
Mitov has won 11 caps for his country so far since making his debut in September 2023 during his lone season at St Johnstone. And while he has never met Pittodrie's Bulgarian flagbearer, he is hopeful that his compatriot will stand between the posts for the national team for years to come.
"It's a bit early to say but I believe he is going to be the number one for the national team. I don't know him too well because he has grown up in Britain and Scotland.
"I hope he can do well because at this time Bulgarian football is not at its best. But I hope this guy can help Bulgaria with his experience to come back to the good times."
The Balkan nation have not qualified for a major tournament since the European Championships in 2004, with their last appearance at the World Cup finals coming six years earlier in France 98.
Bulgaria have been dealt a tough hand in their bid to reach the finals in North America last year, having been drawn against reigning European champions Spain as well as Turkey and Georgia.
But Tsvetatov, a former three-time league champion with Levski Sofia who won 40 caps for his country between 1991 and 1996, has dared the current team to dream.
"On paper it is very hard", he admitted. "But football is not played on paper, football is played on the pitch. So if you don't believe, don't go on the pitch to play.
"Football is a game of hope and you always have a chance."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
31 minutes ago
- BBC News
'Dons increase offer for winger Soumano'
Aberdeen have made an improved offer for 19-year-old Ajaccio winger Moussa Soumano after having an opening £500,000 bid rejected. (Daily Record), externalRead Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.
North Wales Chronicle
34 minutes ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Wales losing run extends to 18 defeats after late capitulation against Japan
First-half tries from Ben Thomas and Tom Rogers, as well as a penalty try and a Sam Costelow conversion, gave Wales a 19-7 interval lead and hopes of a first victory since beating Georgia at the 2023 World Cup 21 months ago. But Japan dominated the second half and tries from Takuro Matsunaga, Ichigo Nakakusu and Halatoa Vailea, plus nine points from the boot of Seungsin Lee, piled on more misery for Wales. 🚨 𝙎𝙜ô𝙧 𝙏𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙡 | 🇯🇵24-19🏴#WelshRugby | #JPNvWAL — Welsh Rugby Union 🏴 (@WelshRugbyUnion) July 5, 2025 Brave Blossoms boss Eddie Jones said he had hoped for a hot day to 'run Wales off their feet' and the oppressive conditions – with the temperature above 30 degrees Celsius as well as high humidity – meant water breaks in each half and an extended interval. A slippery ball produced countless handling errors and there was often little rhythm to a disrupted contest that took over two hours to complete. Taulupe Faletau, Nicky Smith, Ben Thomas and Blair Murray survived from the 68-14 thrashing to England in the Six Nations as interim head coach Matt Sherratt made 11 changes. Number eight Faletau – the fifth-most capped Welshman – made his 109th appearance but it was largely an inexperienced line-up with six starters having fewer than 10 caps. Wales' fall from grace had left them in 12th place on World Rugby's rankings table, one spot above Japan, and it was very much a meeting between two teams in transition. There was a worrying start to the contest as Ben Carter took a hit to the side of the head inside 30 seconds. Carter slumped to the ground after attempting to make a tackle and there was a lengthy stoppage before the second row forward was taken away on a stretcher. Wales immediately shrugged off that blow as Faletau exploited space profited from a line-out ploy to send Thomas over with a well-timed pass and Costelow converted. Japan were on the backfoot and struggling to get out of their own half, but scored from their first attack after 16 minutes as winger Kippei Ishida sliced through midfield to set up Matsunaga and Lee's kick restored parity. Wales hit the front again with a penalty try after Nakakusu, who had replaced the injured Matsunaga moments earlier, deliberately slapped the ball away as Josh Adams closed on Kieran Hardy's chip by the try line. Nakakusu suffered further punishment with a yellow card, and Wales took advantage of their extra man after Japan had found touch from the kick-off. Faletau broke away from a scrum going backwards and Hardy, Costelow and Johnny Williams moved the ball on for Rogers to scamper into the corner. The tide turned in the second half as Amato Fakatava saw his effort ruled out for a Shinobu Fujiwara knock-on, but Japan were not to be denied after going through the phases. Rogers slipped off a tackle and Nakakusu dived over with Lee adding the extras and soon reducing the deficit to two points with a penalty. Japan got their noses in front for the first time as replacement Vailea barged over and Lee's sparked celebrations that continued until the final whistle. The two-match series will conclude in Kobe next Saturday.
Belfast Telegraph
an hour ago
- Belfast Telegraph
First Minister joins well-wishes as NI Olympian Ciara Mageean (33) reveals cancer diagnosis
Latest | First Minister Michelle O'Neill has led well-wishes to Co Down athlete Ciara Mageean, who has been diagnosed with cancer. The European champion and two-time Olympian announced the news on Friday evening. Last year she clinched her first major title at the age of 32 as she won 1500m gold at the European Championships in Rome. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. 'To everyone who's been part of my journey so far, I have some difficult news to share: I've been diagnosed with cancer,' she said. 'It's been a lot to take in, but I've already started treatment and I'm incredibly grateful to be surrounded by the love and support of my family and close friends. 'Right now, my focus is on healing and taking things one day at a time. I kindly ask that you respect my privacy and that of my loved ones as we move through this together. Your understanding means more than I can say. 'Thank you for the love and strength. I'm ready to face this with the same fight I've always brought to the track.' There has been an outpouring of support for the champion since she shared her diagnosis. Michelle O'Neill replied: 'So sorry to hear this, Ciara. Wishing you all the very best. You've shown such incredible strength and determination throughout your career, and I've no doubt you'll face this latest challenge with the same courage.' The governing body for the sport in Europe, European Athletics, said: 'Everyone at European Athletics sends their best wishes to Ciara Mageean following her recent cancer diagnosis.' Sinn Fein MP for South Down, Chris Hazzard, said: 'Thoughts with Ciara Mageean as she embarks on her journey to overcome cancer. 'We know her incredible fighting spirit, combined with the powerful wave of solidarity from Co Down & supporters far and wide, will be a profound source of strength.' Former DUP Education Minister, Lord Weir of Ballyholme, said: 'Best wishes to champion local athlete Ciara Mageean as she faces her greatest battle having been diagnosed with cancer. "I'm sure she'll fight it with the same determination as she has brought to the track.' After recovering from a serious ankle injury, she came third in the 2016 European Championships and was a runner-up in 2022 before topping the podium in Rome last year. Mageean made her Olympic debut in Rio in 2016 and competed at the delayed 2021 Games in Tokyo, where her preparations were hampered by a calf issue. She was set to race at the Paris Olympics last year as a reigning European champion but an Achilles injury ruled her out on the eve of her 1500m heat. Mageean's impressive career has also included a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2022, fourth place at the World Championships in 2023, and Irish records in the 800m, 1,000m, 1500m and mile. In 2023 she was named the BBC Northern Ireland Sports Personality of the Year. In January, Mageean announced her engagement to long-term partner Thomas Moran, who she has been with for over a decade. Sharing the news on social media she said: 'My biggest prize yet: 2024 came to a close by answering the easiest question I've ever been asked. "Tommy has been the rock by my side for over ten years, and now, my training partner for life.' Having been based in England for seven years, training with Team New Balance Manchester, Mageean moved back to Northern Ireland last year, having left the group earlier in the year. The Portaferry native bought a home in Belfast along with her fiance, Thomas Moran, and has been primarily based there over the past year.
