November 17, 1993 - 30 years since we announced that God is Bulgarian

Very few dates in history make Bulgarians united in one and the same emotions. One of them is November 17, 1993. Then in France, at the Parc des Princes stadium, the national team of Bulgaria had its final match of the qualifications for the Football World Cup 1994 in the USA. The only chance for the Bulgarians to reach the finals in the United States. By half-time the French team dominated the game and were deservedly winning 1-0. Bulgaria's forward Emil Kostadinov scored an equalizer but the draw was still not enough. In the 89 minute everyone was depressed about the future of the Bulgaria team filled with stars like Stoichkov, Lechkov and Balakov. In the last minute Kostadinov was given a precise pass, managed to overrun the French backs, and paralyzed the French goalkeeper with a sudden shot scoring for 2-1 for Bulgaria. The goal that came in the 89:59 minute sharp made the overfilled stadium silent and let the Bulgarian football players make their way to the golden moments at the finals in the USA. Kostadinov’s unforgettable goal made the Bulgarian national television commentator scream for joy “God is Bulgarian” that became the logo of the Bulgarian success in summer 1994 when the team coached by Dimitar Penev ranked fourth in the world football finals.