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Stoykov rues EuroBasket "Failure"
16.09.2006

Bulgaria captain Todor Stoykov admits his team have only themselves to blame after missing out on automatic qualification for EuroBasket.

Stoykov poured in 26 points as the Bulgarians defeated Poland 99-65 in Varna on Wednesday, but victories in their opening four games have already secured top spot in Group A for the Poles.

"Not qualifying for the Euros is a failure. We alone are responsible," Stoykov said.

"I was expecting us to qualify automatically, but unfortunately we couldn't, so now it is time for everybody to voice their criticism."

Stoykov believes the 90-82 home defeat by Sweden on September 5 was a turning point in the Bulgarians' campaign.

"We didn't achieve what we should have against Sweden. It was all  downhill after that defeat."

The decisive final round of matches takes place on Saturday, with Bulgaria facing Sweden and Poland visiting Ukraine. Second place is up for grabs, with Bulgaria, Ukraine and Sweden all on seven points.


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