2010 World Cup Group C Preview: Slovenia
By Ty Duffy
“Speak the truth, but leave immediately after.” – Slovenian Proverb
Slovenia is small. They have little World Cup history, qualification and elimination in 2002. They were, however, part of the former Yugoslavia, who had a rich soccer tradition. The Yugoslavs qualified for eight World Cups before being banned in 1994. With stars such as Safet Susic, they made two semi-finals and two quarter-finals. They reached the finals of two European Championships. They also won an Olympic Gold and three Silvers. The flag may be different and the selectable pool of players may be smaller, but the soccer tradition remains.
Qualification: Slovenia emerged from a hard qualifying group. They finished second ahead of 2006 qualifiers Czech Republic and Poland. They received arguably the toughest opponent in the UEFA playoffs against Guus Hiddink’s Russia and beat them, stemming the Russian attack and scoring a decisive away goal in Moscow. Slovenia earned its place in their tournament.
Tactics: The Slovenes lack talent. They account for it with discipline and organization. Slovenia allowed only four goals in 10 qualifying matches, fewest among teams that played 10. Coach Matjaz Kek was maligned when hired, but has thus far been a tactical master. He prepares diligently for every opponent. His teams takes away what teams do best and forces them to win differently. Slovenia is better collectively than the names and resumes indicate.
Squad: Slovenia has a budding young squad. The top name is goalkeeper Samir Handanovic. The 25-year-old has become a stalwart for Italian club Udinese. He has had rumored interest from big clubs Manchester United, Tottenham, Juventus and Bayern Munich. He should join one of them this summer. He’ll be organizing a solid defense, anchored by 6’5” Bostjan Ceasar.
The midfield is decent. Gifted 23-year-old Valter Birsa has had a breakout season with surprising Auxerre, in the Champions League places in France, as an attacking midfielder, after initially arriving in France as a striking prospect. Captain Robert Koren is a competent playmaker for West Brom in England. Andras Kirm and Alexsandar Radosavljevic fit well in their system. Inter Milan 19-year-old Rene Krhin will be available from the bench.
The U.S. Disaster Scenario: The numbers don’t like Slovenia, but they assume all matches are created equal. They aren’t. The U.S. plays England first. Slovenia plays England last. That’s significant. Pretend England beats the U.S. in the first match and Slovenia beats Algeria. In the second matches, England beats Algeria and the stern Slovenians hold the U.S. to a draw.
That puts England on six points and Slovenia on four entering the final match. A draw would serve both teams. They kick the ball around for 90 minutes. England wins the group. Slovenia advances. The U.S. would be eliminated regardless of the Algeria result. Slovenia may be 200-1 to win the tournament, but they are only 3-1 to advance from the group.
Random Fact: The Duchy of Carintania, now part of Slovenia, had a unique method of installing Dukes in the Middles Ages. The common people appointed a representative to question the prospective Duke about his integrity and remind him of his responsibilities. The ceremony implied that the Duke’s power came from the people. The practice influenced Thomas Jefferson when writing the Declaration of Independence.
Group A: South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France
Group B: Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, Greece
Group C: England, United States, Algeria, Slovenia
Group D: Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana
Group E: Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon
Group F: Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia
Group G: Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast, Portugal
Group H: Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile