Slovenia
Slovenia
Slovenia made it to South Africa after finishing second in their group, edging out the Czech Republic and Northern Ireland, then defeating favourites Russia (on away goals after a 2-2 aggregate draw) in the play-off. Former Slovenian international defender Matjaz Kek has a challenge on his hands, as he tries to navigate the team past the first round of the World Cup finals, the nation's best result in the competition, set in 2002.
It is testament to Kek’s managerial astuteness that he has been able to coax the best out of a group of relatively unknown players, and while his team do not have much star quality, most of them ply their trade in top leagues in Europe. Particularly important will be holding midfielder Robert Koren, who captained the side during qualification, while Chievo’s Bojan Jokic and Inter Milan’s Rene Krhin are both exciting young prospects who have had good seasons in Italy.
Key Player: Milivoje Novakovic
Frontman Novakovic is one of Slovenia’s star players, and the striker can be relied on to produce stellar finishes. The 6ft 4in striker scored five goals in qualifying, including both goals in a vital 2-1 win over Slovakia, and this summer will be one of the lynchpins of a side low on star quality but high on graft. Although still relatively unknown outside of Europe, Novakovic has played for a host of clubs in Slovenia, Austria, Bulgaria and Germany, where he has lived for the last three years. He has become a firm favourite at Cologne, scoring 20 goals to help the team win promotion to the Bundesliga in 2008, and was appointed captain by manager Christoph Daum. Last season he scored another 16 goals, thriving alongside new strike partner Lukas Podolski, as Cologne finished in 12th place. If Slovenia are to progress at the World Cup, the 31-year old will have to perform out of his skin.
What they said
“However we look at it, we are not among the favourites in our group. But our aspiration is still to qualify for the second round.” – Slovenian coach Matjaz Kek is well aware of the challenge his side faces in South Africa
What we think
Slovenia stunned Russia in the play-offs to progress, but the side lacks experience and power, and it would be a shock if they progressed past the first stage. Their side will not be easy to beat, but surely the USA and England will bar their path to the last 16.
