Slovenia

Slovenia Profile

TEAM FACTS:

Name: Slovenia

Coach: Matjaž Kek

Captain: Robert Koren

Star players:     Milivoje Novakovic, Samir Handanovic

Fifa ranking: 31

Slovenia, a country of just two million people, shocked many when they qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup eliminating Poland, Czech Republic and Russia. This achievement was near miraculous as no one thought they would even win a match let alone qualify. This will only be their second appearance in the biggest competition of the most loved sport in the world. They are determined to lift the title of fledgling football team to one that contends with the best in the world.

“For a small country like ours, it’s an incredible achievement to qualify for a World Cup. Before this qualification series started, nobody was giving this young team a hope. But now, the players and the whole country are proud of our success. We want to show that, small as we are, we can compete with the best,” said Milivoje Novakovic, Slovenia striker (according to Fifa.com).

Shortly after the Preliminary draw, most viewers felt group 3 would be dominated by the teams who were more established and had more experience at an international level; Czech Republic and Poland. The favourites collapsed and the underdogs took control and ruled the group. It ended up being a two-way struggle between Slovenia and Slovakia.

The Slovenian defense was probably what kept them alive through the qualifying stages. It was arguably the meanest defense on the European Zone. Although the Slovenian team was edged by the Netherlands, it must be said that Slovenia only conceded four goals in ten matches. They did not give up however and tried very hard to get the top spot but were denied by Slovakia with their 1-0 win away against Poland.

The real upset came in the play-offs, not for the Slovenians though. The Russians were excited when they were drawn to play Slovenia in the play-offs and thought, as did many others, that it would be an easy win. How wrong they were, as Slovenia never gave up and pressed on to beat them. Nejc Pecnik and Zlatko Dedic saved the Slovenians at just the right time to defeat the European greats. This defeat will be written in the record books as one of the great qualifying upsets.

The team’s success has mainly been built on the collective and never focused on the individuals. This being said, there are a few talented and skilful individuals that can be called upon. The “backbone” of this team comprises of three players; Milivoje Navakovic a striker who scored 5 times during qualification for his team; goal keeper Samir Handanovic; and midfielder and captain Robert Koren.

Matjas Kek, a player known for his outstanding leadership ability rather than skill on the field, was given a managerial position at Maribor, the club at which he played. After six years at Maribor, he took charge of the national U-15 and U-16 teams for the Football Association of Slovenia in 2006. In January 2007 his potential was realised and he was promoted to senior coach. He has since exceeded all expectations by leading this very unlikely team to qualifications. After beating Russia he said, “Slovenia has realised a dream.”

While in Nelson Mandela Bay for the game between Slovenia and England on 23 June, take the time to indulge in the pleasure of being in a place that combines big city living with small town values:

 

See the sun set on a veld covered with flowers and wild plants, watch wild animals run free and experience the thrill of watching a shark pass your boat; all this can be done in Nelson Mandela Bay. The Addo Elephant National Park, an hours drive from the city centre, caters for all animal lovers. Enjoy the Big 7, consisting of elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, southern right whale and great white shark, in their natural habitat in an open vehicle or guided walk. Don’t worry about mosquitoes, the area is malaria free.

 

If the marine life fascinates you, then diving in Nelson Mandela Bay is a must. Beautiful reefs, interesting shipwrecks from years gone by, colourful soft coral species and the warm water of Algoa Bay will keep you in the water for hours. Surfing, wind surfing, jet skiing and sailing can also be enjoyed in the Bay.

 

A delicious steak covered in a creamy mushroom sauce, chicken and prawn curry, an espetada done in a red wine sauce, sushi, or a decadent piece of double chocolate cake; will satisfy the fussiest palate. Nelson Mandela Bay has the highest capita ratio of restaurants per population in South Africa and with all that variety; everyone will definitely find something they like.

 

A vibrant array of night clubs to dance the night away, pubs where you can enjoy a beer and a game of pool, and award-winning cocktail bars that serve anything from a banana split martini to bubblegum bazooka; make Nelson Mandela Bay a popular destination because all of this can be enjoyed on the smallest budget.

 

For the arty tourist, there are many theatre shows, museums, and art galleries in and around the Bay. Cinemas that show both the new and the old invite all for time to escape to a world that fulfills all your dreams.

 

For more information on the above activities or more activities on offer in Nelson Mandela Bay contact Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism on +27 (0) 41 582 2575 or email info@nmbt.co.za.