Slovenia – World Cup 2010 Preview #11 (Group C)

Appearances at World Cup Finals: World Cup 2002 – First round

Famous moment in World Cup history: Slovenia’s first ever appearance at World Cup 2002 could not have been less successful. A furious bust-up between coach Srečko Katanec and star striker Zlatko Zahovič followed a tame opening defeat to Spain and set the tone for the remainder of the tournament. ‘You’re a pr*ck of a coach and you were a pr*ck of a player,’ Zahovič raged. Katanec acted swiftly. Zahovič was banished from the squad to return home but with him went any hopes Slovenia had of progressing. With the squad split down the middle, they limped to further defeats at the hands of South Africa and Paraguay and were on the next plane out of South Korea.

The Lowdown: There is a feeling slowly beginning to emerge in Slovenia that, this time around, things will be different. Having caused one of the biggest shocks of the World Cup qualifying campaign when Zlatko Dedič’s goal beat Russia over a two-legged qualification playoff fixture, Slovenia’s next generation of footballers are eager to prove that victory was no fluke by finally fulfilling their undoubted potential on the world stage.

The nation’s hopes rest in the hands of Matjaž Kek, a former Slovenian title-winning central defender who’s playing style with Maribor was solid if not spectacular. Speaking after November’s unlikely defeat of Russia, Kek admitted: “It was a historic match for us. I want to thank every one of my players. The whole country was behind us and we could feel their support. Our victory was deserved. It is a huge honour to be among the best teams in the world. Slovenia has realised a dream.”

In the opinion of much of the English press, Slovenia are there simply to make up the numbers (evidenced by this infamous Sun headline). Whilst they will not win their group, the squad has enough nous, organisation and ability to at least compete for the second spot. True, they no longer have the outright match-winning ability of Zlatko Zahovič but Kek has instilled a simple, pragmatic approach to the game.

They’ll likely line up in a traditional 4-4-2 formation with an experienced backline and a hardworking midfield.  Up front, playoff hero Zlatko Dedič will partner towering 1. FC Köln striker Mile Novakovič. In Rene Krhin, they have a talent nurtured by Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan. The nineteen-year-old is unlikely to feature from the start, having made his international debut in the Wembley defeat against England, but he’s comfortable on the ball and will create chances for his teammates.

An impressive tournament from first-choice goalkeeper Samir Handanovič will only add to his growing reputation amongst Europe’s elite clubs. His three-year spell over the border at Udinese has been sensational. Bayern Munich are rumoured to be monitoring in progress in preparation for a post-World Cup approach.

Qualification: Slovenia sealed their place at the tournament through the qualification playoff system, a place earned by finishing second in group three of the European qualifiers. Their group was tough but taking points from early fixtures against Poland, Slovakia and Northern Ireland increased their confidence.

Defeats followed, first against early group favourites Czech Republic and then against a Warren Feeney inspired Northern Ireland in Belfast. By the halfway mark the campaign was in danger of running out of steam but Matjaž Kek knew that winning their remaining four games would be enough to earn a spot in the playoffs as one of the best-placed runners up. San Marino were dispatched comfortably in August, as were Poland a month later. Slovenia then traveled to Slovakia and produced arguably their most impressive result as goals from Birsa and Pečnik sealed a 2-0 victory in Bratislava. October’s 3-0 away win in San Marino cemented their playoff spot.

Few analysts gave Kek’s men much chance of beating Russia. Slovenia is a country of just two million people, Russia is seventy-times larger. Trailing two-nil in the first leg, a late away goal from Nejc Pečnik would prove crucial. Back in Maribor, a tight-encounter was settled shortly before half-time as Zlatko Dedič earned himself national-hero status with the game’s only goal. Slovenia progressed thanks to the away-goal ruling. Russia had been conquered. Slovenia would be going to South Africa.

Top Scorer in Qualifying: Mile Novakovič found the net five times during Slovenia’s qualification campaign and is the side’s undoubted goal threat. He’s tall at 6ft 4in and enjoys the happy knack of being in the right place at the wrong time of defences. Often, Novakovič will pounce on a rebound or slack defending to finish confidently. Alongside him, much of Slovenia’s attacking threat is provided by  Dedič and Auxerre’s Valter Birsa, both of whom are also capable of finding the net.

The Manager: Matjaž Kek made his name as a no-nonsense defender who won league titles with hometown Maribor. Having done the same as Maribor manager, Kek was fast-tracked through the national coaching system to take charge of the national side. Many were dismissive of his credentials, suggesting that with Maribor’s wealth, relative to the opposition, anybody could have been capable of such feats.

Slowly but surely, Kek proved his doubters wrong, instilled a pragmatic approach that has taken his country to a second World Cup final. When taking over the reign’s of Branko Oblak, he replaced the previously employed 3-4-1-2 system with a solid 4-4-2, based on defensive principles. Slovenia conceded just four goals in ten qualification fixtures.

Key Player: Mile Novakovic

One to Watch / On the Move?: Slovenia play an organised, defensive game and goalkeeper Samir Handanovič is central to that. Born in Ljubljana, Samir started his career at NK Domžale and made just seven appearances before making the short trip across the Italian border to sign for Serie A club Udinese. The 6ft 5in star started the 2005/06 season on loan at Treviso, making three appearances, before another loan move took him to Lazio, where he made just one first-team appearance.

After a frustrating season, Samir found a home from home at Rimini. This move suited both parties, regular football improved Samir’s game whilst Rimini benefited from some impressive goalkeeping. They finished the season in 5th spot in Serie B. That summer, Udinese’s first-choice goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis left for pastures new and Samir took the opportunity to install himself as Udinese’s new goalkeeper. Since then, he has not looked bad, making over 100 first-team appearances, earning some rave reviews for often stellar goalkeeping. Rumours of a move to Manchester United, Bayern Munich or AC Milan have proved unfounded but an impressive World Cup will only increase the likelihood that he will leave the Bianconeri.

Group C, Previews, Slovenia, World Cup 2010