Slovenia – World Cup squad analysis (23 for 2010)

26 May, 2010 Adam Nuttall Internationals, World Cup

Twice Slovenia have overcome the odds and qualified for international tournaments, twice they have failed to progress from the group stages, finishing rock bottom of their respective groups at both Euro 2000 and World Cup 2002. However, this time around, there’s a feeling that things might just be about to change. Having caused one of the biggest shocks of the World Cup qualifying campaign when Zlatko Dedič’s goal beat Russia over a two-legged playoff fixture, Slovenia’s new generation of footballers want to prove to the world that it was no fluke.

Fast forward eight years and Slovenia have qualified for a second time, now led by Matjaz Kek. Kek was a solid if unspectacular central defender who earned three league titles with hometown club Maribor before his playing career came to a close. His solo international cap came in 1992.

Having hung up his boots, Kek took charge of Maribor and collected a further two league titles. Since taking charge of the national team in January 2007, Kek has been working to assemble a squad capable of outdoing the 2000 edition. Impressive results such as the away win in Slovakia or the home win over Russia suggest he might just have done it.

Goalkeepers

Jasmin Handanovic

Samir Handanovic

Aleksander Seliga

In recent years, Samir Handanovič has stamped his name on the Slovenian goalkeeper’s jersey. The twenty-five year old began his career in Slovenia with Domzale but his talent was quickly spotted by the bigger clubs and a 2004 move to Udinese. His sharp reflexes and acrobatic saves have earned rave reviews, sparking Gianluigi Buffon to state ‘He’s one of the best goalkeepers in Italy.’ An impressive World Cup may well see the goalkeeper move to one of Europe’s elite clubs, with Bayern Munich said to be considering an approach.

Backup will be provided by Aleksander Šeliga and Samir’s cousin, Jasmin Handanovič. Šeliga is the younger of the two and currently plays his football in The Netherlands as first-choice goalkeeper at Sparta Rotterdam. Jasmin Handanovič made his name with Koper where two successful seasons lead to a move to the Italian Serie B with Mantova.

Defence

Miso Brecko

Boštjan Cesar

Suad Filekovic

Branko Ilic

Bojan Jokic

Dejan Kelhar

Matej Mavric

Marko Suler

Miso Brecko is likely to start the tournament as Matjaz Kek’s starting full-back. Attacking by nature, Brecko plays his domestic football in Germany with FC Koln. On the left, Bojan Jokic has pace but has struggled for first-team football since making a January loan move to Chievo. In the centre, Bostjan Cesar made his name as a youngster at Dinamo Zagreb. French giants Marseille soon spotted his talents and a move to France followed.

Unfortunately, Bostjan has failed to capitalise on a bright start. He spent a season in England with West Brom before returning to France to sign for Grenoble. He’s tall and strong and with forty-one international caps, will be the corner-stone of the Slovenian defence. He’ll likely partner Gent’s Marko Suler. Suler is quick, good in the air and, along with Cesar, is one of the team’s leaders.

Support will be provided from central defender Matej Mavric, if he holds onto his spot in the twenty-three. Dejan Kelhar is a newcomer to the squad, having made only one appearance in March’s friendly with Qatar. His form with club Cercle Brugge has certainly impressed but he is unlikely to dislodge either Cesar or Suler.

Suad Filekovic had hoped a September 2009 move to Barnsley would boost his chances of a World Cup starting spot but the move proved disappointing for both side, Filekovic left the club just four weeks later as his contract was terminated by mutual consent. Branko Ilic began his career as a midfielder before moving back to central defence. His career blossomed in Moscow with Lokomotiv where he has made his name as an attacking full-back.

Midfield

Valter Birsa

Andraž Kirm

Andrej Komac

Robert Koren

Rene Krhin

Dalibor Stevanovič

Aleksander Radosavljevič

Mirnes Šišić

Perhaps the most well known member of this Slovenian squad is West Bromwich Albion midfielder Robert Koren. Koren has put his difficulties with the Slovenian national setup behind him having refused to play in two friendlies before Matjaz Kek brought him back into the squad as captain. He’ll operate in the middle of midfield, creating a link between defence and attack.

Alongside him, Aleksander Radosavljevic does much of the team’s donkey work. Kek employs him as a ‘front-screener’, sitting in front of the Slovenian defence allowing others such as Koren to get forward and support the attack. On the flanks, Valter Birsa has long been held in high esteem in his homeland. Now with Auxerre, he is quick and can provide a goal-threat.

A spot on the left is possibly still up for grabs though Wisla Krakow’s Andraz Kirm looks the most likely starter, mostly due to his tireless running. Andrej Komac is happiest in central midfield than can operate down the right. His pace and aggressive play makes him a favourite with the Slovenian fans. Komac will prove a danger with excellent set-piece deliveries.

With his quick dribbling but fear of defending, Mirnes Sisic is seen by many to be a ‘luxury player’, a player incapable of holding down a permanent spot in the starting line-up. Kek tends to use his undoubted talents as an impact sub. The same could told be said of Dalibor Stevanovic, once considered one of Slovenia’s brightest prospects having spent some of his early career with Real Sociedad. These days, Stevanovic is struggling for form.

Much of Slovenia’s hopes are pinned on Inter Milan starlet Rene Krhin. Praised by Jose Mourinho, Krhin operates as a defensive midfielder, using possession well to create chances for those around him. Unlikely to start the tournament, Krhin is perhaps ‘one for the future’ but don’t be surprised to see him included in necessary.

Attack

Zlatan Ljubijankič

Nejc Pečnik

Milivoje Novakovič

Zlatko Dedič

Striker Milivoje Novakovic is the side’s heartbeat, on and off the field. Now thirty-one, the powerful targetman has long been the focal point of the Slovenian attack. Recent seasons have seen ‘Mile’ captain German club FC Koln though a dispute following his return from Slovenia’s World Cup qualification celebrations saw him stripped of this role.

Zlatko Dedic scored the decisive goal that finally saw off Russia and sealed Slovenia’s passage through to South Africa. National hero status now secure, Dedic now plays his football in Germany with Bochum. Nejc Pecnik has seven caps. He’s a recent addition to Kek’s squad but his strong running and abilities on the ball will see him secure his place on the plane to South Africa.

Zlatan Ljubijankic may struggle to break into the starting eleven but he’ll certainly be involved should Slovenia need a late goal. He scored one of his four international goals to date in Slovenia’s Wembley defeat against England in September. One possible surprise inclusion could be Groningen’s Tim Matavz. He’s yet to make his international debut but enters the summer having found the net nine times in the Dutch Eredivisie. Matjaz Kek may well feel he’s the perfect solution as he looks for that surprise ingredient that’ll carry his side to the second round.