Slovenia

Slovenia is the smallest country ever to have qualified for two non-consecutive World Cups. The tiny population of a mere 2million people managed to oust Poland, the Czech Republic and the mighty old-guard that is Russia to book their plane to South Africa this summer. The return flight is booked for not that long after the group stages finish...

Slovenia have no real star names in their squad yet through grit, determination and good old-fashioned team-work they won their last four group games to make the play-offs, behind group winners Slovakia. Slovenia got drawn against Guus Hiddink’s Russia and a 2-1 away loss left them still with much to do in the return home leg. However, a 1-0 Dedic goal in Maribor meant that Slovenia edged through on away goals, making their second World Cup appearance since they were granted independence in 1992.

In Japan and South Korea in 2002 Slovenia lost 3-1 to Spain, 1-0 to South Africa and 3-1 to Paraguay, a dismal campaign. Naturally they will be looking to surpass their total of 2 goals and 0 points, and with an opening match tie against Algeria they have ever opportunity to do so. The remaining games in Group C – England and the USA – pose more tricky tasks. England should comfortably win the group, but the USA is a vastly improved nation and one who is more likely to cause an upset than the Slovenians.

Matjaz Kek has been the manager of Slovenia since January 2007, however he has been involved in the national set-up before this period, having coached the Under-16s previously. This former experience will aid him, having worked with many of the players throughout their early careers. Kek often plays 4-4-2 which is unlike past Slovenian teams, which have opted for more inventive 3-4-1-2 formations.

One of the stars of the Championship for West Bromwich Albion, Robert Koren, will be one of the men looked upon to instil some quality to the starless Slovenian side. Koren plays in the centre of midfield so will have the opportunity to control the game. He will be leaving West Brom this summer, with the club not wishing to exercise a clause in his contract.

One man to look out for is a rising young player who is on the verge of breaking through into the Inter Milan side. Rene Krhin is merely 20, yet with praise from now former manager Jose Mourinho over his personality and ability, is evidentially someone who is technically gifted. He plays on the left for his national side, but may be more comfortable in the centre of the park. His international debut was in a 2-1 friendly loss against Group C opponents England.

Slovenia only let in 4 goals during qualifying – unless you add the two they let in against Russia in the playoffs – so naturally a solid defence will be vital. Brecko, Suler, Cesar and Jokic may not be well known names, yet together they form a tight unit. The right-back Brecko likes to advance further up the field and his crossing ability has created many goals for Slovenia recently.

The two strikers perform well as a pair, with Novankovic being a natural leader to the side as a whole. However, the striker’s refusal to rejoin his club side Koln straight after Slovenia had qualified cost him his captaincy at club level. His partner Dedic has only managed 3 international goals, but his latest was against Russia gaining Slovenia a World Cup appearance, something that will no doubt make him a national legend for a long time to come.

For a nation so small, Slovenia has done exceptionally well. It proves to other countries, such as Scotland, that with the right set-up and good determination a nation that lacks population can still make an impact on the international football scene. On the other hand though, despite qualifying for the tournament, they will not outdo England and the USA, meaning an early trip home is almost inevitable.