SOFIA Bulgarian Football Icon — Hristo Stoichkov blamed French referee of robbing him Thursday his childhood dream of becoming champion of the World Cup in 1994.
"As a kid, I dreamed about if becoming a soccer player, to win the Golden Ball, Golden Boot award. All this came true, "Stoichkov said BNT State television in an interview.
"My biggest dream as a footballer was however crushed by a French referee. Will never forgive him, "former national team of 45 years and the Barcelona star striker said.
Stoichkov brought Bulgaria's national team to the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States, a game they lost 2-1 in Italy.
Bulgarian football fans have accused the French referee Joel Quiniou of robbing the team of an equalizer in the second half of the game by failing to penalize a handball by Italian Alessandro Costacurta.
The repetition of the accident in slow motion tour Bulgarian television channels at the time, sparking anger at the national level.
"She mocked me, coaches, the whole Bulgarian people. I met him after the game in the United States and spit in his face, "expansive Stoichkov notoriously temperamental said Thursday.
The legendary striker was awarded the golden shoe as top scorer of the joint World Cup and also won the Golden Ball award of France football the same year.
Was coaching in 2003 and is expected to be named coach of the Bulgarian Litex Lovech in January.
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