Betting odds Slovenia

World Cup appearances: 1
Best World Cup: Round 1; 2002
FIFA World Ranking: 23
Manager: Matjaz Zahovic
Captain: Robert Koren

Slovenia Team Profile

Slovenia are part of a group of surprise inclusion travelling to South Africa in that very few would have tipped them to progress before qualifying. However, despite having a population of just 2 million, Slovenia will fancy their chances of being South Africa’s Dark Horses after excelling during qualification, fending off the challenges from Poland and Czech Republic in the group stage before knocking out the tricky Russians in the play-off’s. The scalp of Russia proved there and then that Slovenia should no longer be seen as simple minnows on the international stage.

Their reward for qualifying was to draw England in Group C in South Africa, although the second automatic qualifying spot will remain up for grabs between themselves, USA and Algeria, so a good performance against the latter two teams and Slovenia’s fairytale, in what is just their second appearance in a World Cup, could roll on into the last-sixteen stage of the tournament – What would be considered a huge achievement back home.

Slovenia Key Players

Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek will want to make good use of Robert Koren’s valuable knowledge of English football, the Premier League specifically, as one of their toughest assignments in South Africa will be their final game in Group C against England. Koren, who received the captains armband back in 2008, has played 45 times for his country and will travel to South Africa as one of the more experienced Slovenians in camp. The current West Bromwich Albion play-maker will play an instrumental part in Slovenia’s attack in the summer, although his slim return of just four goals while on international duty means he shouldn’t be much of a threat in front of goal himself.

Up front, Milivoje Novakovic of FC Cologne in Germany, will be Slovenia’s best outlet in the final, and their main source of goalmouth activity. Standing in at a daunting 6ft 4inc, Novakovic is clearly a threat from set-pieces and crosses, scoring 14 goals in 37 international appearances, although all of his international goals have come against fairly ordinary opponents. Even so, his presence and danger in the air will make him an instant threat and a target for the Slovenia’s to lump long balls up to should they find little success in breaking through some well-drilled and highly-trained defences.

Strengths

Slovenia appear to have this underdog aurora about them. They won’t be fancied in the slightest to go far in South Africa but could cause a few countries a problem with their stiff and rigid approach to games. They should also merit some form of respect for beating Russia in a two-legged play-ff just to get this far, beating the Russian’s home and away.

Also, Slovenia finished qualifying with the best defensive record, beating the likes of England & Spain to that honour after conceding just 4 goals in 10 qualifiers. That’s a staggering statistic for such a small nation on a football scale.

Weaknesses

Their obvious flaw is that they don’t boast too many well known players, which could be seen as a good factor as it makes then an unknown quantity. However, in this day and age just about every player with an ounce of talent gets spotted and picked up by the big clubs and the fact that these Slovakian players haven’t been lured away is a concern. However, the vast majority do ply their trade with European clubs so they will have some form of knowledge of how the big names in Europe play. Still, a big lack of quality in camp makes them a weak proposition.

Slovenia Qualification for the World Cup

Sector: European
Group: 3
Position: 2nd
Win-Draw-Lose: 6-2-2
Goals Scored: 18
Goals Conceded: 4

Slovenia boast the best defensive record in Europe after conceding just four goals in ten qualifiers. However, their solid defence wasn’t enough to seal qualification via the group as they had to battle their way past Russia in a play-off to finally seal their passage in South Africa. Slovenia beat Russia 3-1 on Aggregate, winning in both Russia & Slovenia.

World Cup Potential: 2/5

Their amazing defence during qualifying makes them a potentially awkward opponent for some and they could very well spring a surprise if they defend well in games and knick a rare goal on the break. We don’t think they’ll stand much of a chance against the bigger nations but we don’t think Slovenia will leave South Africa empty handed. We fancy the Slovenians to claim at least one scalp this summer, before they inevitably pack their bags, unfortunately.

Slovenia World Cup Betting Odds

Slovenia to win the World Cup (Outright): 400/1 bWin

Before the World Cup the odds on Slovenia were 300/1 

Official Slovenia World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Samir Handanovic (Udinese Calcio)

Jasmin Handanovic (AC Mantova)

Aleksander Seliga (Sparta Rotterdam)

Defenders

Bojan Jokic (Chievo Verona)

Marko Suler (KAA Gent)

Bostjan Cesar (Grenoble Foot)

Branko Ilic (Lokomotive Moscow)

Matej Mavric (TuS Koblenz)

Elvedin Dzinic (NK Maribor)

Miso Brecko (Cologne)

Suad Filekovic (NK Maribor)

Midfielders

Andraz Kirm (Wisla Cracovia)

Andrej Komac (Maccabi Tel Aviv)

Rene Krhin (Inter Milan)

Dalibor Stevanovic (Vitesse Arnheim)

Robert Koren (West Bromwich Albion)

Aleksander Radosavljevic (AE Larissa)

Valter Birsa (AJ Auxerre)

Strikers

Milivoje Novakovic (Cologne)

Zlatko Dedic (VfL Bochum)

Zlatan Ljubijankic (KAA Gent)

Nejc Pecnik (Nacional Funchal)

Tim Matavz (FC Groningen)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 Slovenia Fixtures – Group C

World Cup 2010 Group C - Table

 World Cup Fixtures and Results

England v Slovenia Betting Odds

England to win: 1/2 at SkyBet
Draw: 10/3 at Bet365
Slovenia to win: 7/1 at Paddy Power

England

England coach Fabio Capello has apparently already made the decision of who will partner John Terry at the heart of England’s defence for their crucial final match of Group C. With Ledley King injured and Jamie Carragher suspended, West Ham’s Matthew Upson will get his chance to step up to the plate. Upson was called upon plenty of times during England’s qualification campaign, and it was to some surprise that Capello picked King and Carragher ahead of him. Without ever really shining, Upson is a steady defender, and may provide just a little more pace at the back than either King or Carragher could. While this change was forced upon the England boss, there are more changes brewing though apparently, with Capello saying that he will probably change others. The most likely other change would striker Emile Heskey dropping out of the starting eleven, as England need to go in search of goals. The last time England failed at the group stage of a World Cup, was in 1958.

England simply need to win against Slovenia in order to progress to the second round as expected. They were tipped to win the group from the off, and they can still do, but it was all supposed to be a lot easier than they have made it. England have struggled through two drawn matches, which may not prove to be too much of a disaster, but they have looked very slow with their running, passing and general movement. Whether it all down to the pressure and weight of expectation, but something needs to give. Even England’s talisman Wayne Rooney has looked below his best, but then the supply to him from midfield has been extremely poor. Fabio Capello held an opening meeting with his players after the dire performance against Algeria, giving everyone a chance to air their views. There have been rumours about the players not enjoying the Capello system, but that is hard to buy into after it is the same system which served them so successfully through qualification.

England look a shadow of the team they were during European qualification, and it is hard to put a question on why. Maybe over confidence. Maybe the pressure. Maybe they have underestimated the competition, and now they have had their wake up calls, things should be addressed in a professional manner. England fans want more, and now the players and the coach have to deliver as there will be no more chances for them. The life of an England manager is not an easy one, and now there are worries that Capello may quit his role if England do not make it to the last sixteen of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. But Capello has been honest in his assessment of his team, saying that he doesn’t understand why the players are unable to change tempo and get themselves motivated. It is hard to see Capello as a quitter, and regardless of what happens against Slovenia, it will be in England’s best interest to hold onto him. The performances are not completely his failings. It is basically the same group of players which have let England down so poorly before at tournament, like in Germany 2006, where they also looked uninspired.

Will Capello use Steven Gerrard in an attacking midfield role? That is the one area in which Capello has been criticised most, not using Gerrard to his full potential. Will he play Rooney as a lone striker, a role in which he relishes? This would pile responsibility on the Manchester United striker to grab games by the scruff of the neck, and could be the way to get him to respond. Will Capello then use the creativity of Joe Cole from the left? Something has to give, another turgid 4-4-2 display from England may not suffice. The passion has to be stepped up. The pride has to be stepped up. The drive, determination and the pace at which they play needs to be stepped up. Remember at Italia ‘90, England were in the same position in their group, having drawn their opening two matches. Coach Bobby Robson then made some changes for their final group match, beating Egypt to qualify. England reach the World Cup semi finals that year. So all hope is not lost for England and Capello. Can all of them rise to the occasion?

England World Cup 2010 Stats
Played: W0, D2, L0
GF/GA: 1/1
Cards: Y4, R0
Most Shots: Frank Lampard, 8
Top Scorer: Steven Gerrard, 1
Shots/On Goal: 33/14
Fouls Committed: 25
Total Passes: 1093
Pass Completion: 73%

Slovenia

If it is to some surprise that they have a healthy amount of points on the board, then it should not be. They were never going to be pushovers in the group, and were a good bet to steal second place behind England. They actually now have the chance to go one better than that, and win the group with a win over Fabio Capello’s side. While that would mean the unthinkable for England, for Slovenia it would be an immense success story. The European minnows have a good crop of players, and, as shown in the first half of their match against the USA, they were able to string together some quick passing and counter attack at pace. Pace is the one thing which England have lacked, and will have to be careful of the threat Slovenia pose in that department. Slovenia will also have two bustling, battling tough forwards in Milivoje Novakovic and Zlatan Ljubijankic, for Terry and Upson to try and contend with, and Slovenia, who beat Russia and Slovakia along the way in qualifying for the World Cup, will fancy their chances. They will have seen England struggle for momentum, and while the Slovenians fell apart in the second half of the match against the USA, they battled hard and still looked a threat on the break. Slovenia actually have a solid defence, which was stood up very well in their qualification campaign. England will have to show a lot more conviction and invention to break them down.

Slovenia top the group going into the final round of matches, and a draw would be sufficient for them to progress through. That makes England’s task even harder, as the Slovenians know that they can sit back and rely on the control that Birsa and Koren give them. A draw may suffice for England, but that would leave their fate in the hands of Algeria, who they would need to beat the USA for Capello’s men to progress in that situation. Even in this situation with Slovenia holding the slight advantage, there is belief in World Cup betting that England, who have the superior quality, will pull through. For Slovenia to stop that happening, they will need to play to their strengths. They work hard as a team, and can stroke the ball around when not under pressure. It is the pressure and tempo which England need, as they will have seen Slovenia crack under the high tempo game the USA played in the second half. All to play for, but have England left it too late?

Slovenia World Cup 2010 Stats
Played: W1, D1, L0
GF/GA: 3/2
Cards: Y6, R0
Most Shots: Valter Birsa, Robert Koren, 4
Top Scorer: Three players, 1
Shots/On Goal: 14/8
Fouls Committed: 25
Total Passes: 944
Pass Completion: 71%

Asian Handicap Betting Tip: England have to score, and you have to back them to do it. With the pressure on and the need to respond, you should see England as more of an attacking force, especially if Capello is going to be brave and shake things up. Experience in these types of situation is vital, and that’s where England could be much stronger.
England -1.25 for 6/5 at Paddy Power
 

Current England V Slovenia Odds:

Slovenia gathering pace and form for World Cup betting

Friday’s action packed World Cup day sees the chance of one of the tournament’s supposed minnows progressing through to the second round. If European side Slovenia can topple the USA on Friday, then they would guarantee themselves a place in the last sixteen of the competition. This is because Slovenia battled their way to a 1-0 victory over North African side Algeria in their opener. That narrow victory has further added to the confidence of the Slovenians, with midfielder Andrej Komac stating that they will definitely beat the Americans and make history for themselves by getting out of the group stage. Slovenia are gathering some momentum in status, after beating Slovakia twice in qualification, seeing off the challenge of the Czech Republic in the group, and then seeing off the might of Russia in their play-off match to reach the World Cup Finals in South Africa. In terms of population of countries, this is the David v Goliath match, with Slovenia the smallest populated nation, and the USA the largest. The Slovenians have proven that they can punch above their weight, and they will use their technical passing skills to try and negate any threat which may come from the USA. Slovenia have now hit eight goals in their last three matches, and will fancy their chances against the USA back line which was breached by England, but who found goalkeeper Tim Howard in inspired form. That is the fine line between three points and nothing, and the thin line between progressing in the tournament and going home. If Slovenia win, then the USA would most likely be on their way home, with England expected to wrap up a comfortable victory against Algeria, also on Friday. The Slovenians may be the smallest nation in the tournament, but they are more than capable of punching above their weight. They have the confidence, the ability and a pretty solid defence, one of the best in European qualification to fall back on.

Slovenia World Cup Betting: There was always a threat coming from the small European nation, even though the USA are expected to join England in the last sixteen from Group C. There is not too much to choose between the teams really, and Slovenia took a flood the midfield approach to their match against Algeria. That could be the key in getting the better of the Americans, plenty of midfield possession. Not a major threat up front, but have a solid, organised defence and have racked up four straight wins, winning eight of their last ten games. Would consider backing Under 2.5 Goals for 4/7 at Ladbrokes. Slovenia’s biggest threat in front of goal will come from Milivoje Novakovic who is 3/1 at Bet365 Anytime Scorer, which is decent value against a weak defence. Or, how about Komac putting his money where his mouth is? Komac is 17/1 at Paddy Power to back up his strong words by scoring in the match.
Slovenia Asian Handicap Betting Tip: Slovenia +0.50 Evens at Paddy Power

Slovenia World Cup 2010 Stats
Played: P1, W1, D0, L0
GF/GA: 1/0
Cards: Y2, R0
Most Shots: Two Players, 3
Top Scorer: Robert Koren, 1
Shots/On Goal: 7/4
Fouls Committed: 10
Total Passes: 538
Pass Completion: 74%
Last 5 Form: LWWWW

Tim Howard Battered and Bruised but ready to star again

USA goalkeeper Tim Howard should get back between the sticks on Friday, as he looks to help his side take another step towards the last sixteen of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Howard was in great form as he helped America to hold on to a draw against England. Naturally, the Americans have taken umbrage against Komac’s confident words, with defender Oguchi Onyewu saying that an American player would never make such a bold comment. While we’re not sure if that’s irony or not, he clearly hasn’t been watching Alexei Lalas on ESPN. Anyway, what of the USA? Well, they were exuberant after their draw with England, but when you break it down and analyse the game, there were still second best. England dominated possession, had the clear cut chances to put the game out of sight, but simply didn’t take those chances. The USA midfield disintegrated in the second half, and that will spell danger against the slick Slovenians if it happens again. The USA played at pace, but still without causing too much threat in the England penalty box, except from long balls, and their terrible pass completion percentage will need to be seriously raised. Slovenia are not as slow at the back as England are, so they should be able to deal with the USA attacks much better. On the defensive side of things, the USA had clear holes which England could not exploit to the maximum by scoring more than one goal. Slovenia have had a solid 12 months in front of goal, and really could cause problems for the USA, when the Americans would probably have been targeting a comfortable win when the World Cup draw was made. The Americans are an OK side, nothing more, nothing less. They have speed, they have fight, courage and all that good stuff, but will not be as technically gifted as the plucky Slovenians. There is every potential that, while the USA will be happy with their first performance, if they don’t tighten up, then they could be in danger. It is as simple as that for them. They should be inspired by Tim Howard’s performance and attitude, and if they were a little more patient on the ball, and use better distribution from the flanks when they make good ground, they have every chance of staying alive in the group. This is a fairly even match, but neither would be happy with the game ending in parity, although it would suit the USA much better.
 
USA World Cup Betting: Can the USA produce now in this massive game for them. Do they have the craft and ability to break down the tough Slovenian defence? Lively Jozy Altidore is top of the list as most likely anytime goal scorer, going for 5/2 at Paddy Power. The USA will play with energy, but is it enough to suffice without the final ball? Will they be nervous? This is coach Bob Bradley’s big moment with a huge amount of pressure on. It should be quite a tight game, but if you fancy the USA to have the edge, then the following is the best value bet.
USA Asian Handicap Betting Tip: -0.75 for 11/8 at Bet365

USA World Cup 2010 Stats
Played: P1, W0, D1, L0
GF/GA: 1/1
Cards: Y3, R0
Most Shots: Clint Dempsey, 4
Top Scorer: Clint Dempsey, 1
Shots/On Goal: 13/4
Fouls Committed: 14
Total Passes: 376
Pass Completion: 58%
Last 5 Form: LLWWD

Slovenia v USA Betting Odds

USA to win: 11/10 at Bet365
Draw: 12/5 at BetFred
Slovenia to win: 3/1 at SkyBet

Slovenians Hold Aces In Crucial Opening Fixture

This will be a great chance for relative newcomers Slovenia to create a historic World Cup moment for themselves, as they European nation take on Algeria on Sunday looking for their first World Cup victory. This is an important match for both of these teams, with significantly tougher tests to come for both nations against Fabio Capello’s England and Bob Bradley USA in Group C. So this is the big, perhaps most realistic chance to get three points under their belt, and the expectations and betting, should be leaning towards Slovenia. The Slovenians proved to be something of a surprise quantity through European qualification, as they finished as Runner’s Up to Slovakia, and then went and battled their way through a play-off situation against the strong Russians. They also beat group winners Slovakia twice in the group, and there is a lot of promise that their, physical play combined with technical passing abilities will be able to serve them well. They should certainly be able to make the most of their initial chance against Algeria, and then the big match in what should be the race for second place in Group C, will come when Slovenia face the USA.

Coach Matjas Kek will be taking his nation into only their second tournament, after failing in 2002 to get a single point in the group stage. This time they are back and look a lot stronger, and they should be able to dominate proceedings when the game kicks off as Sunday’s first World Cup action of the day. Whoever loses points in this match, would see their chances of getting out of the group on the backburner after one game. But with so much pressure on the game, those early tournament nerves may kick in and the games peters out to an edgy nervous affair, and if that happens, it won’t suit the Slovenians as much. Their game is getting the ball down and playing it around the park. They have had a quiet and understated build up, not pitting their wits against tough opposition, beating Qatar and New Zealand in their warm up matches. The main threat of goals will come from striker Milijove Novakovic and forward pace man Zlatko Dedic, who netted the all important goal against Russia which took Slovenia to the World Cup finals. Slovenia showed that they can defend, conceding only six goals during qualification, while averaging themselves two goals scored per game. No, they may not have the household names, but they should not be overlooked betting. Certainly not in betting for this match.

Goals Deserting Desert Foxes

Algeria coach Rabah Saadabe really has his work cut out for him. Algeria have had a poor year, so make no mistake about it, they are the weakest side in this group. After scrapping past Egypt in the play off to get to the World Cup, things have gone downhill for Algeria. They had a torrid time at the African Cup of Nations, struggling for goals, and struggling to keep their discipline and composure. Their build up to the World Cup has not been anywhere near impressive, as they have lost heavily to Serbia and the Republic of Ireland along the way. They will likely be without one of their most influential players, captain Yazid Mansouri who is battling against fitness. Algeria, even when they are on their game, they are not an expansive attacking side at all. Their game plan is simply to grind down and wear out the opposition, with a large emphasis on the defensive side of the game.

They way this game should go, is that Algeria would be happy with playing out a dull 1-0 victory. That is their style, but the trouble is, it is a style which is getting them into trouble, as they are simply not good enough to pull it off against good opposition, who show a bit of flair in creativity. The encounter may be a bit of a bruising one, and it may well get bogged down in midfield. But most of the initiative will probably come from the European side, as they look confident and should fancy their chances of finishing in second place, a lot more than Algeria would be. The two sides have never met each other, but Slovenia edge the stats, edge the form, and edge the quality throughout the squad. Therefore, they should be good for backing as a straight win, or at least a Draw No Bet in your World Cup betting strategy.

Slovenia v Algeria Betting Odds and Stats

Last 5 Matches
Slovenia 3, New Zealand 1
Slovenia 4, Qatar 1
Slovenia 1, Russia 0
Russia 2, Slovenia 1
San Marino 0, Slovenia 3

Algeria 1, USA 0
Ireland 3, Algeria 0
Algeria 0, Serbia 3
Nigeria 1, Algeria 0
Egypt 4, Algeria 0

Last 5 Match Goals
Slovenia: 12 For, 4 Against
Algeria: 1 For, 11 Against

Recent Stats
Slovenia: P50, W17, D10, L23 with a 34.0% win percentage
Algeria: P15, W5, D3, L7 with a 33.3% win percentage

World Cup Stats
Slovenia: P3, W0, D0, L3, GF2, GA7
Algeria: P6, W2, D1, L3, GF6, GA10

Last 10 Match Form
Slovenia: LWLWWWLWWW
Algeria: WLWDDLLLLW

Match Odds
Slovenia to win: 13/10 at William Hill
Draw: 23/10 at Ladbrokes
Algeria to win: 13/5 at Coral

Asian Handicap Betting Tip: Algeria struggled for goals at the African Cup of nations, and there doesn’t seem to be much improvement on that front, and against a tight Slovenia defence, it’s hard to see them making much of an impact. The ball really is in Slovenia’s court for this one, and therefore wouldn’t be too afraid of backing them. Would probably push the boat out to a Slovenia -0.75 at 8/5 at Bet365, or if you want a little more security, then Slovenia -0.25 is still a decent 19/20 at Bet365 too.
 

World Cup Group C Teams: England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia. England are one of the leaders in outright World Cup Betting to lift the trophy at the World Cup final on July 12th. You chance of picking up ante-post odds on the World cup are diminishing now, as the tournament starts on June 11th with the fixture between hosts nation South Africa and Mexico. So signing up with an online bookmaker right now, can not only bring you some nice welcome bonuses, it will also give you enough time to get your early bets down, as well as follow the progress of the world cup during the forthcoming month. Here you can enjoy another part in our series of looking at the best value bets for the eight individual groups. How big is the threat from the USA? Why do Slovenia represent such good value at the 2010 FIFA World Cup? Find out below:

Slovenia To Qualify: 15/8 at Victor Chandler
For some reason, the Slovenians are flying under the radar in the World Cup group betting, when they should be a lot stronger. The USA are dominating the betting in the race for second spot, but there is more to Slovenia than may meet the initial eye, and in planning your World Cup betting strategy, they are worth keeping an eye on. They showed a lot of potential during European Qualification, where they finished second in their group behind Slovakia, who Slovenia beat twice. Then coming through a tough qualification playoff against Russia, the Slovenians showed that they have an immense amount of spirit and fight, as well as quality. Therefore they should certainly not be discounted, even if they are new on the scene, and the big match in this group could come when they take on the USA. That should be a match for second spot in all reality, and where the USA also play with a lot of vim and vigor, they do not have as much technical ability in their squad as Slovenia. Therefore, check out the best bookmakers for Betting on the World Cup and look for options on Slovenia. This one represents great value, as they have the ability.

Most Group Stage Goals Scored: England 3/10 at Bwin
No, not great odds, but it is difficult to see where they will be beaten. Slovenia should be the next threat in this World Cup betting category, but as England proved through qualification, they were rampant in front of goal against weaker opposition. They have also been scoring in their international friendly warm up matches ahead of the tournament, even without putting their World Cup eleven out. Wayne Rooney is expected to firmly be in the running for the top goalscorer in the tournament, and so why would you bet against England topping this betting category. While the odds are not fantastic, they are at least realistic and that means it should be something of relatively safe bet. These are the kind of bets that you can look at in building up a multiple bet if you are doing a lot of group betting. Both of the USA and Algeria are considerably light up front, and therefore, combined with England being the strong seeded team, they should have a clear run at being top goalscorers in the group.

Not to Qualify: USA 6/5 at BetFred
This may look something of a brave bet, as World Cup Odds have really shown no signs going against the USA to finish second. But Bob Bradley’s men look as if they still have a great deal to do in order to catch up with the European standard of football, and that puts them on the back burner against group rivals England and Slovenia. The step up to the World stage could be a step too far for them this time, even though they can call on a lot of players who ply their trade in Europe. There appears to be a tactical frailty against them, but they will try and paper over any cracks their with their unbound confidence. There is a lot of work to do for the USA to make an impact, and they could be in for a bigger shock than they expected. They do not have the edge over Slovenia, and that puts them at great risk in not being able to qualify. They face England in their first fixture, and a strong victory for Fabio Capello’s England there, could mean that the uphill struggle from there on out in the group stage, could be even greater with their confidence bruised.

To Finish Second: Slovenia 5/2 at Paddy Power
Again this is simply backing up some of the above bets, and this one represents good value with your online betting for the World Cup. They had one of the best defensive records in the European qualification zone, conceding just 6 goals in their campaign. That means they are a strong defensive side, as well as possessing good discipline. There should be a clear contrast in the inexperienced USA side charging around, to the technical ability and passing game that Slovenia bring to the table. No, they are not packed with household names, but they have the ability to reach the second round, and at a price such as above, some good value on World Cup betting can be found on them. England are expected to win the group, and in the grand scheme of things, Slovenia look to be the best of the other three teams.

Most Group Goals Conceded: Algeria Evens at Bwin
Algeria totally lost their grip on discipline in the African Cup of Nations, finishing their semi final match against rivals Egypt with just eight men. They looked terribly short of any quality going forward during that tournament, and recently lost an international friendly to the Republic of Ireland. There is not a lot of threat coming from the North Africans, and to see them finish bottom and having conceded the most amount of goals in doing so, certainly is not beyond the realms of reality. At a decent price of Evens, it is worth backing that up.

World Cup appearances: 1
Best World Cup: Round 1; 2002
FIFA World Ranking: 23
Manager: Matjaz Zahovic
Captain: Robert Koren

Slovenia Team Profile

Slovenia are part of a group of surprise inclusion travelling to South Africa in that very few would have tipped them to progress before qualifying. However, despite having a population of just 2 million, Slovenia will fancy their chances of being South Africa’s Dark Horses after excelling during qualification, fending off the challenges from Poland and Czech Republic in the group stage before knocking out the tricky Russians in the play-off’s. The scalp of Russia proved there and then that Slovenia should no longer be seen as simple minnows on the international stage.

Their reward for qualifying was to draw England in Group C in South Africa, although the second automatic qualifying spot will remain up for grabs between themselves, USA and Algeria, so a good performance against the latter two teams and Slovenia’s fairytale, in what is just their second appearance in a World Cup, could roll on into the last-sixteen stage of the tournament – What would be considered a huge achievement back home.

Slovenia Key Players

Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek will want to make good use of Robert Koren’s valuable knowledge of English football, the Premier League specifically, as one of their toughest assignments in South Africa will be their final game in Group C against England. Koren, who received the captains armband back in 2008, has played 45 times for his country and will travel to South Africa as one of the more experienced Slovenians in camp. The current West Bromwich Albion play-maker will play an instrumental part in Slovenia’s attack in the summer, although his slim return of just four goals while on international duty means he shouldn’t be much of a threat in front of goal himself.

Up front, Milivoje Novakovic of FC Cologne in Germany, will be Slovenia’s best outlet in the final, and their main source of goalmouth activity. Standing in at a daunting 6ft 4inc, Novakovic is clearly a threat from set-pieces and crosses, scoring 14 goals in 37 international appearances, although all of his international goals have come against fairly ordinary opponents. Even so, his presence and danger in the air will make him an instant threat and a target for the Slovenia’s to lump long balls up to should they find little success in breaking through some well-drilled and highly-trained defences.

Strengths

Slovenia appear to have this underdog aurora about them. They won’t be fancied in the slightest to go far in South Africa but could cause a few countries a problem with their stiff and rigid approach to games. They should also merit some form of respect for beating Russia in a two-legged play-ff just to get this far, beating the Russian’s home and away.

Also, Slovenia finished qualifying with the best defensive record, beating the likes of England & Spain to that honour after conceding just 4 goals in 10 qualifiers. That’s a staggering statistic for such a small nation on a football scale.

Weaknesses

Their obvious flaw is that they don’t boast too many well known players, which could be seen as a good factor as it makes then an unknown quantity. However, in this day and age just about every player with an ounce of talent gets spotted and picked up by the big clubs and the fact that these Slovakian players haven’t been lured away is a concern. However, the vast majority do ply their trade with European clubs so they will have some form of knowledge of how the big names in Europe play. Still, a big lack of quality in camp makes them a weak proposition.

Slovenia Qualification for the World Cup

Sector: European
Group: 3
Position: 2nd
Win-Draw-Lose: 6-2-2
Goals Scored: 18
Goals Conceded: 4

Slovenia boast the best defensive record in Europe after conceding just four goals in ten qualifiers. However, their solid defence wasn’t enough to seal qualification via the group as they had to battle their way past Russia in a play-off to finally seal their passage in South Africa. Slovenia beat Russia 3-1 on Aggregate, winning in both Russia & Slovenia.

World Cup Potential: 2/5

Their amazing defence during qualifying makes them a potentially awkward opponent for some and they could very well spring a surprise if they defend well in games and knick a rare goal on the break. We don’t think they’ll stand much of a chance against the bigger nations but we don’t think Slovenia will leave South Africa empty handed. We fancy the Slovenians to claim at least one scalp this summer, before they inevitably pack their bags, unfortunately.

Slovenia World Cup Betting Odds

Slovenia to win the World Cup (Outright): 400/1 bWin

Before the World Cup the odds on Slovenia were 300/1 

Official Slovenia World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Samir Handanovic (Udinese Calcio)

Jasmin Handanovic (AC Mantova)

Aleksander Seliga (Sparta Rotterdam)

Defenders

Bojan Jokic (Chievo Verona)

Marko Suler (KAA Gent)

Bostjan Cesar (Grenoble Foot)

Branko Ilic (Lokomotive Moscow)

Matej Mavric (TuS Koblenz)

Elvedin Dzinic (NK Maribor)

Miso Brecko (Cologne)

Suad Filekovic (NK Maribor)

Midfielders

Andraz Kirm (Wisla Cracovia)

Andrej Komac (Maccabi Tel Aviv)

Rene Krhin (Inter Milan)

Dalibor Stevanovic (Vitesse Arnheim)

Robert Koren (West Bromwich Albion)

Aleksander Radosavljevic (AE Larissa)

Valter Birsa (AJ Auxerre)

Strikers

Milivoje Novakovic (Cologne)

Zlatko Dedic (VfL Bochum)

Zlatan Ljubijankic (KAA Gent)

Nejc Pecnik (Nacional Funchal)

Tim Matavz (FC Groningen)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 Slovenia Fixtures – Group C

World Cup Group C - Table

 World Cup Fixtures and Results

World Cup Group of Slovenia