The Road to South Africa

Had Uefa's Group 3 gone according to the seedings, Slovenia would have finished fifth, ahead of San Marino and behind Northern Ireland. Instead, they came in second, one place behind the equally unfancied Slovakia. By the time they lost 1-0 to Northern Ireland in Belfast, Slovenia had picked up a modest six points from half-a-dozen games. However, four straight victories without conceding a goal pushed them into second and into a play-off with Russia. Two-nil down in Moscow, Slovenia scored a late goal through Nejc Pecnik and won 1-0 in their own tiny stadium in Maribor.

The Star Players

Samir Handanovic (Udinese) Having come to Italy when he had just turned 20, Handanovic has established himself as one of the finest keepers in Serie A and may move to Bayern Munich once this tournament is done.

Robert Koren (West Bromwich Albion) The Slovenia captain has been playing in English football since 2007 when he moved to West Brom after a highly-successful stint in Norway with Lillestrom. However a serious eye injury, caused by a training-ground accident delayed his start at the Hawthorns.

Zlatko Dedic (Bochum) Whatever happens in South Africa, he will always be remembered as the man whose goal sank the might of Guus Hiddink's Russia. Dedic never quite made it in Serie A, but has found his feet with Bochum in the Bundesliga.

The Coach

Matjaz Kek He was a defender during a playing career that was almost finished by the time Slovenia won independence. Perhaps not surprisingly, Slovenia’s success has been based on a sound defence – they conceded just four times during qualification. Having taken his hometown club, Maribor to two titles, Kek was fired when the club began to decline and began coaching Slovene youth teams that formed the basis of this young side.

Honours

World Cup: Group stages 2002
European Championship: Group stages 2000.

Analysis

Given that Slovenia have elbowed their way past the Czech Republic, Poland and Russia in qualifying for South Africa, finishing ahead of the United States to guarantee second place shouldn't be beyond them. However, this is a big stage for a little country and while they may get off to a sprint start against Algeria everything will surely depend on the meeting with the Americans in Johannesburg. A win against Algeria, a draw with the United States and then they meet an England side in Port Elizabeth who may already be through. It is a tough ask, though and how many in Ljubljana and Maribor believe in it is open to question.

Verdict

Squad (2.5/5)
Young, committed and enthusiastic, this is a side that has already achieved plenty just by making it to South Africa. However, it is debatable how much more they can do once the tournament begins.

Coach (3/5)
Kek's methodical, thoughtful approach to the game has brought the best out of his players and will be needed as the pressure mounts during the tournament.

Attack (2.5/5)
The forwards delivered when it mattered, scoring 16 times in Slovenia's final six qualification games. The 3-0 win over Poland in Maribor and the 2-0 away win in Slovakia were the highlights.

Defence (3/5)
Statistically, there was none better in qualifying. Nine of their final 11 matches saw clean sheets. Only Warren Feeney of Northern Ireland and Dinyar Bilyaletdinov of Russia found a way through.