2024-07-13 11:02:19
The legendary goalkeeper of “Botev” (Vratsa) Ilia Valov suddenly died this morning in the Vratsa hospital at the age of 62, his relatives announced.
Iliya Valov was born on December 29, 1961 in Knezha.
He played for the teams of “Botev” (Vratsa) (1981–1988, 1999–2001), CSKA (1988–1990), “Lokomotiv” (Sofia) (1990), FC “Berlin” (Germany) (1991), ” Austria” (Vienna, Austria) (1991–1992, 8 games in the Max Bundesliga), “Dobrudja” (1992 spring), “Kershiyaka” (Izmir, Turkey) (1992–1994), “Denizli” (1994–1995) and “Altai” (Izmir) (1997).
There are 253 matches in “A” group (180 for “Botev” (Vratsa), 46 for CSKA, 15 for “Loko” (Sf) and 12 for “Dobrudja”). With the CSKA team, he was the champion of Bulgaria in 1989 and 1990, winner of the NRB Cup in 1989, the Soviet Army Cup in 1989 and 1990 and the Super Cup in 1989.
Champion, winner of the cup and the Austrian Supercup in 1992 with the team “Austria” (Vienna).
He played 14 matches for CSKA in European tournaments (6 for KESH and 8 for KNK). KNK semi-finalist in 1989. Thanks to him, the “armies” qualified for the semi-finals, after the rematch with the Dutch “Roda” (Kerkrade). Valov frustrated the attackers of the home team with his incredible interventions. He saved two penalties in the execution of the 11-meter strikes and sends CSKA to the semi-final against “Barcelona” in which he saves a penalty shot by Gary Lineker.
There are 34 matches for the national team. Participated in WC-1986 in Mexico, but did not play.
Former head coach of “Botev” (Vratsa), goalkeeper coach of Black Sea and CSKA (2006). Valov also trained the goalkeepers at “Litex”.
Father of the former defender of CSKA and the national team, Valentin Iliev, who is now the coach of FC CSKA 1948 II, and Valov’s grandson Teodor Ivanov is in the first team.
In the summer of 2015, he was appointed as the executive director of “Botev” (Vratsa).