Wanderers Star Receives First Call-Up from World No. 82 Since 2021

Western Sydney Wanderers forward Bozhidar Kraev has received a call-up to the Bulgaria national team for their UEFA Nations League playoff against the Republic of Ireland.

Kraev last represented Bulgaria in June 2021, but he has been recalled after a successful season. The two-match promotion/relegation playoff begins in Plovdiv on March 20, followed by a trip to Dublin three days later.

The 27-year-old’s impressive performances in the Isuzu UTE A-League have earned him this opportunity, as Bulgaria—currently ranked 82nd in the world—seeks to avoid dropping out of League B.

So far this season, Kraev has netted five goals for the Wanderers, with the team sitting in sixth place as they vie for a spot in the Finals Series.

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Kraev’s return to the national side comes at a tumultuous time for Bulgarian football.

Bulgaria’s head coach Ilian Iliev recently resigned due to discontent from top-tier clubs, although it’s uncertain if he will still be at the helm for the playoffs against Ireland.