Bulgaria are just four points behind the Republic of Ireland in Group Eight of the World Cup Qualifiers after a 2-0 win over Cyprus. Popov's early score was doubled with a Makriev goal at the death in Sofia as the Bulgarians cemented they position in third place after five games. Group leaders Italy can open up a five-point gap with a home win in Bari tonight but if Giovanni Trapattoni's Republic of Ireland could also go top of the pool with victory.