Slovenia’s only previous appearance came in 2002 and ended in a shambles. After losing the opening match 3-1 against Spain, key player Zlatko Zahovic and manager Srecko Katanec clashed in the dressing room and the Benfica forward was subsequently sent home from the Far East. His team-mates lost the remaining two matches against South Africa (1-0) and and Paraguay (3-1) and returned home pointless. It was an end of an era of hope for Slovenian football.

Strengths
We simply cannot overlook a rock solid defence. Including the two playoff matches, Slovenia only conceded six goals in 12 games. Only four goals were conceded prior to the playoffs, a record only bettered by the Dutch, who played two games fewer than Slovenia.

Star Men
Milivoje Novakovic (Koln, Germany)
Robert Koren (West Brom, England)
Samir Handanovic (Udinese, Italy)