West Ham Manager Recalls Balakov's Sensational Goal

West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo didn't hide his admiration for Bulgarian football legends Krassimir Balakov and Emil Kostadinov. He has personal experience playing against the two USA '94 heroes, having faced them in the Portuguese league during the 1990s. The 52-year-old coach recalled his playing days in a conversation with Bulgarian financier Kiril Evtimov after the Hammers' dominant 4-0 victory over Wolverhampton.

The Bulgarian was among the guests at the London Stadium, which provided him with the opportunity to meet the Portuguese manager. "Special greetings to Krassimir Balakov, who recently turned 60. He was a huge star for Sporting Lisbon when I was a goalkeeper for Vitória Guimarães. I'll never forget how he scored a backheel goal against me in one match. A fantastic footballer! I wish him health and a long life," the West Ham manager shared.

"I also remember Emil Kostadinov very well. One of the big names in a very strong Porto squad in the 90s. I was always worried when we had to play against his team. Both he and Balakov were incredible footballers and deservedly legends in Bulgaria," Nuno Espírito Santo added.

Following the Hammers' win, Evtimov also managed to have a brief chat with Portuguese international Matheus Fernandes. The 21-year-old West Ham midfielder expressed confidence to the Burgas native that he would certainly be part of his country's national team for the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico next summer.