Bulgaria are serious contenders, says captain Petrov

SOFIA, Oct 8 (Reuters) Bulgaria captain Stilian Petrov says the solid start to their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign proves they are serious contenders to reach the finals.

''There were many people across Europe who doubted our ability but after the results in our opening matches I think everyone will begin to take a serious view of us,'' Petrov said after the 1-1 draw with the Netherlands yesterday.

Bulgaria, still unbeaten with a win and two draws, are third in Group G with five points, two adrift of joint-leaders Romania and the Netherlands.

''We knew the Netherlands are a strong side but we were very well organised,'' he said. ''We've played with our hearts and we've got what we wanted.'' Bulgaria face Luxembourg on Wednesday and Petrov is confident of taking home three points.

''It's clear now that we have players who can perform very well and with little more self-confidence we can achieve much.'' Bulgaria will be without yesterday's goalscorer Martin Petrov against Luxembourg after he picked up a ban.

REUTERS AB PM1922