Slovenia

Slovenia are the smallest European nation playing in this years finals, but is not their first. In 2002, the Slovenes graced the tournament unspectacularly, losing all three of their group games. That year's event was marred by in fighting between star coach, Srecko Katenec, and star player Zlatko Zahovic, that say the latter sent home. 

No such circumstances are expected this time however, as there are no massive egos in the squad, only commitment and belief. The current coach Matjaz Kek has instilled a high work ethic and self confidence in a squad made up of low key players, which helped helped them to out manoeuvre Poland, Czech Republic and finally Russia to reach the finals. 

In that play off in Moscow the Slovenians fell two goals behind but snatched a late away goal to take back to Maribor. In the second leg all that was needed was a goal from Zlatko Dedic of Bochum to knock out the Russians. From 2-0 down in the first leg, their achievement was nothing short of a miracle.   

SCHEDULE- Group C

Algeria   June 13th

USA      June 18th

England   June 23rd

The group is not the most daunting that Slovenia could have faced. England have already been tackled in the recent past, as the away side went down 2-1 at Wembley. Slovakia have played both the English and Americans recently too, and they will offer first hand insight into Slovenia's upcoming opponents. Finally there is Algeria, the team that Slovenia will be most confident of beating. The Algerians don't have a settled side of late and any problems in preparation will play into the hands of the Europeans. Failure to win that first game however and the remainder of the tournament will be an uphill task.

That is already known in Slovenia however, who are happy just to be in South Africa, They were never expected to qualify and they have barely registered in the past eight years since the dizzy heights of Euro 2000 and Japan/Korea 2002.

KEY PLAYERS

Slovenia is a team made up of hard working individuals rather than star names. The most familiar name is their captain, Robert Koren, of West Bromwich Albion. The 29 year old midfield player primarily prides inspiration for his younger compatriots. Aside from that his is the team's on field organiser. Koren refused to play in friendly games two years ago but the opportunity to become captain caused him to perform a U-turn. 

Other notable members of the Slovenian squad include Valter Birsa of Auxerre, who was a teenage prodigy in his formative years and Andraz Kirm, who will be responsible for crossing the ball to the hero from that night Maribor, Dedic. 

The rising star of Slovenian football is Inter Milan midfielder, Rebe Krhin. At the age of 20 he is finally on the edge of the Inter team, even making a few first team appearances in Serie 'A' prior to the Christmas break. He may not be in the Slovenia starting line up now, but he could be by the time they face England.    

ONE TO WATCH- Rene Krhim 

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

The possibility of reaching the second round is not entirely out of the question and it would be a dream come true for the 2.1 million people back home. Two victories will probably be needed  for that to happen though. Algeria will have to be beaten, and then it will be a nervy battle with the Americans.

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

An off the field scenario like 2002 is not likely this time, but a repeat of the results would be just as bad. Three defeats, especially in this group, would be a case of underachievement.

PREDICTION

Slovenia will probably not lose all their games, but they probably won't go through to the second round either.