Berbatov hat-trick helps Bulgaria crush Georgia

Sophia: A first-half hat-trick from striker Dimitar Berbatov helped Bulgaria end their World Cup Group Eight qualifying campaign with an emphatic 6-2 win over 10-man Georgia on Wednesday.

Bulgaria`s chances of reaching next year`s finals vanished on Saturday when they lost 4-1 to Cyprus but Georgia scarcely had a shot on goal as the hosts tore into them from the start. Manchester United`s Berbatov completed his hat-trick within 29 minutes to take his Bulgaria tally to 46, just one goal short of Hristo Bonev`s national record. Martin Petrov scored twice and gritty midfielder Stanislav Angelov added another, his second international goal. Bulgaria`s triumph, seen by one of the smallest-ever crowds at the Vasil Levski national stadium, was helped by errors from Georgia keeper Giorgi Lomaia. "You don`t score six goals in a World Cup qualifier every day," said Bulgaria coach Stanimir Stoilov. "The fans should believe in the national team and I hope we`ll play in front of a capacity crowd next time." Georgia finished the match with 10 men after Levan Khmaladze was sent off 13 minutes into the second half. Berbatov said: "There`s nothing unusual in Bulgaria`s failure to reach the finals as we don`t have quality players for every position.” "The fans should be realistic and accept the reality. There`s a lot of work to be done." Bureau Report