When the European qualifying groups were drawn for the 2010 World Cup, few people expected Slovenia to have a say in a group containing both the Czech Republic and Poland. Indeed, with a population of only two million, Slovenia would have to punch above their weight simply to compete with their more illustrious opponents, both of whom had qualified for the previous World Cup and European Championships. However, by the time the final round of matches rolled around, the group had developed into a crapshoot between Slovenia and Slovakia, another unfancied team who eventually pipped the Slovenians to top spot and automatic qualification with a shock 1-0 victory away to Poland.
This result set Slovenia up with a two-legged playoff against Russia, who stoked the flames ahead of the match by publically declaring their satisfaction at drawing Slovenia. Things seemed to be going according to plan for Gus Hiddink’s Russia as they raced into an early two-goal lead, but a goal two minutes from the end of the first leg from Nejc Pecnik set the tie up beautifully for the return leg in Slovenia. They completed a truly astonishing upset courtesy of a famous strike by Zlatko Dedic in a result which reverberated around Europe as one of the biggest qualifying upsets in recent memory.
Slovenia’s World Cup Statistics
World Cup Appearances: 1
World Cup Wins: 0
Manager: Matjez Kek
Preferred Formation: 4-5-1 or 4-4-2
Odds to win 2010 World Cup: 100/1 (101.00)*
*Odds displayed are from William Hill bookmakers and, while correct at time of publishing, are subject to change.
Slovenia’s World Cup Fixtures
- June 13: Algeria v Slovenia - 13:30*
- June 18: Slovenia v USA - 16:00*
- June 23: Slovenia v England - 16:00*
*All times listed are local time in South Africa
Slovenia’s Key Players for the World Cup
Goalkeeper: Samir Handanovic is one of the most influential players in the Slovenia squad. He plays his club football for Italian side Udinese and, despite being loaned out shortly after signing, he has since been recalled and has established himself as number one, signing an improved contract that will keep him at the club until 2012. His experience is crucial to the Slovenian defence and he had one of the best records of all the goalkeepers in the European qualifying zone, conceding just four goals in ten matches.
Defence: Mišo Brecko, who signed a three-year deal with German club F.C. Köln in 2008, was one of the key components of Slovenia’s defensive success in qualifying. He is almost certain to be called into action against the likes of England, USA and Algeria on a regular basis, so will have to be at the top of his game if they are to pull off another stunning upset.
Midfield: Robert Korenwill be a familiar name to English fans and will have the chance to face the country in which he plays his club football this summer. The West Bromwich Albion attacking midfielder will captain his country and will be charged with creating chances for the strikers. He is a tireless worker and has the ability to play the quick pass. Whether or not he has the ability to be effective at the highest level remains to be seen be he is certain to relish the chance of pitting his wits against Slovenia’s Group C rivals, and England in particular.
Attack: Milivoje Novakovic is perhaps the most important player in the squad. The 30-year-old Cologne striker is a confident individual and will enter the tournament at the peak of his powers. He will have his work cut out finding the back of the net against such quality opposition, but his five goals in qualifying suggest he has what it takes to make a positive impact in South Africa.
Dark Horse: Zlatko Dedic became an overnight hero when his play-off goal against Russia sent Slovenia to the World Cup. He plays in Germany with Bochum, and will be looking to continue to display the rich vein of form which helped his country upset the odds in qualifying.
Can Slovenia Win The World Cup?
For a country with a population of just two million, qualifying for the World Cup is an amazing achievement in itself. None of their opponents are likely to underestimate them following their victory over Russia in the play-offs and, with the element of surprise gone, they may struggle to impose themselves against the heavyweights of world football. The biggest fear for a team which relied so heavily on their defence is, of course, their ability to find the back of the net. If they can get their noses ahead in matches, however, they are well set up to defend a lead and will cause teams problems.
But Will Slovenia Win the World Cup?
Slovenia will definitely not win the World Cup. The manager and players will be confident of finishing above Algeria, but competing with the experienced USA and England may be an altogether more difficult ask. Look for them to be tight in defence and to frustrate their opponents but, ultimately, to be competing with Algeria for third and fourth place in the Group C.
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Ryan Miller - Ryan Miller is an English teacher at secondary level in Scotland. Prior to this, he worked as a sports journalist for the Press ...
