The hosts dominated from start to finish but could not find a way past a resolute Albania defence and inspired goalkeeper Arjan Beqaj.

After an opening salvo which saw Albania`s Erjon Bogdani fire in a free-kick which produced a relatively simple save for home keeper Dimitar Ivankov, Bulgaria took control.

And they almost went ahead in the fourth minute through Stiliyan Petrov.

The Aston Villa midfielder, who earned a recall to the national team after settling his differences with coach Hristo Stoichkov, came within inches of a spectacular return but his 30-yard effort crashed against the bar.

Beqaj enjoyed a moment of fortune 10 minutes later when he fumbled a Zoran Yankovic shot but no Bulgaria player was on hand to tuck away the loose ball.

The hosts continued to press and, following good work from Dimitar Berbatov, Hristo Yovov put his volley wide of goal.

Seven minutes later, only a brave block from Albania defender Nevil Dede prevented Igor Tomasic from putting Bulgaria ahead.

And Dede was again the right man in the right place two minutes before half-time to deny Yovov.

The second half continued in the same vein with Bulgaria firmly on top and Albania scrapping gamely to ensure they kept a clean sheet.

Just two minutes into the second period, Albania's resolute back-line was almost breached but Beqaj did well to save from Georgi Peev.

The chances came and went on a regular basis for the hosts.

Berbatov's header was blocked by Beqaj after 56 minutes, Chavdar Yankov fired over six minutes later while Armand Dallku blocked Radostin Kishishev's powerful drive.

Bulgaria were denied by the woodwork for a second time after 64 minutes when half-time substitute Svetoslav Todorov saw his header strike the upright.

Beqaj excelled himself twice more in the closing stages, first by tipping Berbatov's 20-yard shot around the post and then, with just nine minutes to go, keeping out Yankov's long-range effort.