Bulgaria v Republic of Ireland: The game at a glance
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Man of the match
Richard Dunne
An easy award. One hopes that a summer of uncertainty doesn't upset his outstanding international form. Will now seek to purge the ghosts of Nicosia next season.
Magic Moment
The class of Berbatov provided much of the outstanding individual talent. One graceful pirouette towards the end of the first-half brought the intense home crowd to their feet.
Turning Point
Kevin Kilbane's shocking error thieved all the early momentum from Ireland's impressive start as they yet again tossed away the initiative, ensuring that this qualification process may still go down to the wire.
Talking Point
The Irish players sang songs on the way home -- premature celebrations some may say. But after a long season, and given their travails under the previous regime, a little bit of a sing-song is hardly a crime.
Referee Watch
Claus Bo Larsen was a high-profile appointment to this potentially tricky fixture and he dealt with every situation with utter equanimity and no little authority.
Manager watch
Trapattoni was constantly fuming at his side's inability to retain the early momentum; his use of the bench was expertly executed. His opponent Stanimir Stoilov was required to make enforced switches due to injury.
Crowd Watch
Nearly 3,000 Irish fans chorused at the final whistle their intention to follow the team to South Africa. Although the warring CSKA and Levski factions united to back their national side, their hostile urgings were not rewarded.
David Kelly
