Coach: Matjaz Kek
Confederation: UEFA
FIFA Ranking (Nov 09): 33
Previous Appearances: 1 (2002)
Slovenia v Algeria 13 June; Polokwane
Slovenia v USA 18 June; Johannesburg
Slovenia v England 23 June; Port Elizabeth
Coach
Matjaz Kek
Record
2002 First Round
Background
Once part of Yugoslavia, Slovenia’s first and only previous appearance in world cup was in 2002, from where they went home point less and also in distress. Slovenian football went into a slump after that and the present appearance in the 2010 World Cup is a resurgence of sorts.
the road to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa
Slovenia was drawn in Group 3 alongside Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Northern Ireland and San Marino, no one gave much of a chance to Slovenia. But holding Poland to a 1-1 draw in their opening match was an indicator of things to come. Face to face with Slovakia next, the Slovenians won 2-1 and immediately therafter won against North Ireland. In the home and away matches with the Czech Republic that followed, they lost one and drew the next. Adding to their troubles, Slovenia lost 1-0 away to Northern Ireland. But then they bounced back into serious contention with a string of victories against San Marino (5-0), Poland (3-0), Slovakia and San Marino. The conclusion of the qualification rounds showed Slovenia at an astounding runners-up position in Group 3, with 20 points, just two behind Slovakia. This meant that they get a chance for a play-off.
Play-off
Slovenia was drawn against Russia, a giant, size-wise, population-wise and also for the grounding in football when compared to Slovenia. In the first leg played in Russia, the hosts won 2-1. But in the second leg played in Slovenia, Slovenia won by 1-0. Thus the scores were tied, but they had one away goal, whereas Russia had none and that did the trick for Slovenia.
Strengths
Slovenia has a rock like defence and the proof of it is that they conceded only six goals in 12 games.
Weaknesses
The midfield and wings do not appear to be efficient enough to block and take the attack to the opponent’s area.
The Coach
Matjaz Kek is a man of clear vision. He knows what he wants from his players and he also knows how to get it from them. Kek has a systematic working style and his reputation has gone sky high after the play-off.
Star Men
Robert Koren (West Brom, England);
Koren is Slovenia’s captain. He is the strongman for the team in the midfield. He is a player with guts and determination.
Samir Handanovic (Udinese, Italy);
Handanovic has very safe hands and is a picture of confidence under the bars. The solidity he brings to the defence is immeasurable.
Zlatko Dedic;
Dedic has scored only three goals for his country in 22 appearances. But all of them were crucial goals. The first was in the opening encounter of the qualifier against Poland, the second was against the same team in the away match and the last was against Russia in the return play-off. What is interesting is that in all these three matches these were the only goals that were scored. Slovenians will be looking up to him for a similar show from him in South Africa.
Best Footballing Moment
The goal scored by Zlatco Dedic in the second leg of the play-off with Russia in the 2010 qualifiers. That goal took them to the 2010 World Cup.
World Cup Objective
Reaching the second round.
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