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Letchkov's flying header shattered the myth of German invincibility. Simon Bruty/Allsport |
The balding Bulgarian midfielder was the unlikely hero who shattered the myth of German invincibility in the quarterfinals of the 1994 World Cup in the United States.
Prior to 1994 Bulgaria had never won a game at the World Cup but, inspired by Hristo Stoitchkov's goals and all-conquering personality, its collection of journeymen from the around the minor leagues of Europe found themselves among the quarterfinalists after first round wins over Argentina and Greece and a penalty shootout win over Mexico in the second round.
Defending champion Germany seemed to be heading for an expected win when Lothar Matthäus gave it a second half lead. But Stoitchkov equalized with a freekick and two minutes later Letchkov flung himself forward onto a cross to send a diving header crashing in from the edge of the penalty area.
The Germans, World Cup finalists at every tournament since 1982, went home early and the Bulgarians played Italy for a place in the final.
But Letchkov and his over-achieving teammates had peaked against Germany. They surrendered tamely to Roberto Baggio and then crumbled against Sweden in the third place playoff.
