G

OOOAL!

2010 FIFA WOrLd Cup SpeCIA

L

GOOOAL!

It is safe to say that most Slovenes remember where they were on 18 November 2009. It was the historic day when Zlatko Dedič scored the decisive goal against the Russian football team. Qualifying for the World Cup is one great thing, defeating Russia another. For Slovenians it all happened at the same time. It was the sequel to a football fairytale which began in 2000 and 2003 when Slovenia qualified for both the European and World football championships.

And it is a fairytale: a classic story of the little guy rising up to take on the world. After all, on that evening in November a country with a population small enough to “fit almost exactly into a local community in Moscow,” as Slovenia team manager Matjaž Kek put it, joined a league of football superpowers which includes countries such as the UK, Germany and Brazil.

Slovenia has only 30,000 registered football players: that includes players at all ages and all levels. England alone has more than 40,000 registered clubs. Drive across Slovenia and you will rarely see a football pitch, nor children kicking a ball around. Instead, the country has always been regarded as one which excels in individual sports, priding itself on being home to a number of ski and gymnastic champions. In the former Yugoslavia, Ljubljana’s Olimpija football club threatened practically no-one, stubbornly occupying a spot near the bottom of the league. Since gaining independence in 1991, Slovenia hasn’t defeated the national football teams of any of its fellow former Yugoslav republics – in spite of its success in qualifying for European and world events.

It is easy to understand why a small country with little flat ground makes a poor breeding ground for footballers. Many of the individual talents in the national team play elsewhere in the world, representing strong foreign clubs. And many are second generation immigrants from Bosnia and Serbia, leading to speculation that in the current team a southern football gene has met local coaching know-how.

That local know-how has come from Matjaž Kek, a former footballer himself. Even so, when he took over the team it was in poor condition. In less than three years he has turned things around, building a strong team around some key players – a team which has got better and better with each match – and has led them to that decisive win late last year.

That November victory may never fade from the mind but to some extent it does not matter any more – and nor does the analysis of how and why it happened. All that is important is that Slovenia is one of the 32 countries in the world that have qualified for the World Cup. In June, all fingers will be crossed and all eyes pointed toward South Africa.

FOrtune FAvOurS the brAve

Team Captain Zlatko Zahović in a qualification match against Cyprus in 2002. (Photo: BOBO)

As in most countries around the world, football is the name of the game in Slovenia. The only difference is that qualifying for a major

tournament, such as the European Championship or the World Cup, was simply inconceivable when the Slovene national team started to take

shape in the early 1990s. Just try to imagine the most unlikely thing to happen – that’s how most Slovenians felt about their chances for major

international success. Qualifying for the World Cup once was unlikely enough, but doing it again felt like hitting the jackpot twice. Earning

their chance to participate in South Africa, that’s exactly what Slovenia has done.

By Simon Demšar

Football World Cup

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JApAn/SOuth kOreA, 2002The first era, popularly referred to as “the football fairytale” and its players as the “Golden Generation”, took place eight years ago. Fresh from the first participation in European Championship in Belgium and Holland in 2000, Slovenia went into World Cup 2002 qualifiers as an underdog, despite making a good impression at Euro 2000. The underdog status has actually always played into Slovenia’s hands, and (admitting it or not) fans and players alike count on it in South Africa, too.Slovenia played in the qualifying group against Russia, Yugoslavia, Switzerland, the Faroe Islands and Luxemburg. Russia and Yugoslavia were firm favourites and Switzerland was just a favourite. There was a series of unbelievable moments (or perhaps just a bit of luck): Slovenia won a point against Yugoslavia only after a free kick by Zlatko Zahovič in the referee time and beat Russia after a penalty kick in the dying moments of the match. Slovenia finished second in its group and went into play-offs against Romania. Slovenia qualified after winning 2-1 on home turf and a draw (1-1) in Romania.However, it proved to be more swansong than fairy tale. In Korea, Slovenia lost all three matches against Spain, Paraguay and South Africa. Tensions within the team, up to that point covered by the success, exploded after the first match against Spain. The central roles were played by the coach Srečko Katanec and the star player Zlatko Zahovič. Katanec resigned and most key players, including Zahovič, ended their careers soon after the tournament. Only a handful of fans gathered at the airport when the team returned, as opposed to the 10,000 greeting them upon their homecoming from Romania. Many commentators concluded that the team had been dominated by two strong individuals who simply could not co-exist. Zahovič was the only real international star while Katanec, who had a similarly – if not more – successful

career was also strong as a character. He also demonstrated this on a couple of occasions in later years, when he turned down offers to become the national coach again.

pAInFuL WAy bACkLed by Katanec’s successor, Bojan Prašnikar, Slovenia managed another second place win and a (unsuccessful) tiebreaker for Euro 2004, but it was already apparent that there was no energy in the team. On the FIFA ranking, Slovenia fell to the 89th position (they are presently at 23rd). Prašnikar was replaced by the controversial Brane Oblak, who was in turn replaced by the current coach Matjaž Kek prior to the 2008 World Cup qualifiers. From today’s perspective this was a simple change of generation, but it didn’t seem so at the time. After poor results, finishing second last in the qualifying group, Kek was nearly sacked by the then national Football Association president, Rudi Zavrl, who openly wanted to replace him with Katanec, but the latter opted for the United Arab Emirates instead.

SOuth AFrICA, 2010The World Cup qualifiers started in a similarly gloomy atmosphere as the previous ones finished. But looking back at Kek’s words, he seemed prescient: “We have to accept the fact that we are a small nation and cannot expect to have a top team at all times. The whole nation should now stick together, support us and start building a new team. The players are doing everything in their power and I have nothing to say against them.” The further the qualifiers went, the better Slovenia was and the team started to take proper shape. Samir Handanovič, who had already been a bright spot in the team, was soon joined by striker Milivoje Novakovič, midfielder Robert Koren and others. After winning against Slovakia (2-0), Slovenia nearly qualified automatically for the World Cup,

The Euro 2000 team. (Photo: BOBO)

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but Slovakia’s controversial win against Poland (after Poland scored a goal against themselves) delayed the celebration until the epic win against Russia in Maribor (1-0). Unlike the Golden Generation, this team could not count on luck, but played their hearts out and won every single point

on the pitch. Another difference is that most players now play prominent roles in respected European clubs. Without real stars, the team looks much more compact and balanced. They are well aware of their underdog status, but this can only be an advantage.

they LOOk GOrGeOuSBelgian fashion guru Dirk Bikkemberg, who has designed outfits for out of pitch appearances of the Slovenian National Football Team (see page 2), commenst his recent creation.

How much freedom does a fashion designer have when creating outfits for national football team?I didn’t have any restrictions regarding the suit and it is obvious that the logo of the team, in correct colours, should appear. I sent a proposal which was immediately approved. Where did you seek inspiration for the Slovenian team’s outfit and what does it express?I am inspired by sports for my collections, and in the last 10 years, I am particularly inspired by football. As I design clothes for my Dirk Bikkembergs Sport Couture collection for sporty men, it comes naturally to make a stylish suit that makes the players feel elegant and comfortable. And by the way, I believe the Slovenian team just looks gorgeous in the suit – I am very happy!

The Euro 2000 team. (Photo: BOBO)

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Slovenia will play in Group C against Algeria, USA and England in Polokwane, Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth. Only two teams will advance to the next round.

ALGerIA – the teAm tO beAt?Algeria, nicknamed the Desert Foxes, is widely regarded as the team that Slovenia can beat. The only problem is that Algeria has similar plans – winning against Slovenia and then trying to surprise England or the USA. Algeria qualified for the World Cup after a thriller (and in this case also dangerous) tiebreaker against their fierce rivals – Egypt. Prior to the game, the Algerian team bus was attacked by violent hooligans leaving several team members injured, which led to a diplomatic row between the two countries. After winning the home match 2-0, Algeria lost in Cairo 2-0 and a third match was then played in Sudan, which Algeria won 1-0. Algeria showed its potential at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, where they reached the semi-finals. Most of their players are members of English, French, Italian and German teams.

Currently ranked: 31stPlays against Slovenia on 13th June in Polokwane

uSA – the teAm tO deCIde?The US team has enjoyed considerable success after the rebirth of US football in the 1990s, culminating in quarterfinals in Korea in 2002. Led by coach Bob Bradley, they are optimistic about advancing to the next round. “I can’t wait for the match against England, which will be the most attractive match in our group,” said Bradley. After the draw, he admitted to not knowing any of Slovenia’s players, but within weeks he knew them by name and where they play. Landon Donovan, all-time leader in scoring and assists, with the most caps of all active players, was delighted with the draw. He counts on the second round, but also kept Algeria and Slovenia in view. If Slovenia is serious about advancing to the 16 round, they will have to win at least a point against the USA.

Currently ranked: 14thPlays against Slovenia on 18th June in Johannesburg

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The homeland of football is of course a firm favourite against Slovenia. But a friendly match at Wembley last year, which Slovenia lost 2-1, after Wayne Rooney had faked a foul in the penalty area, proved that it is not impossible for Slovenia to confront Rooney, Terry and company. England’s coach, Fabio Capello, said after the draw, “I remember the match against Slovenia very well. They were dominating in the second half; they are very well organised and technically strong.” England, of course, openly aims for the very top and losing a point or three against Slovenia is not an option. For Slovenia there is nothing to lose, this could be an opportunity. England’s opponents also count on Rooney’s fatigue after a long season and some interpersonal problems within the team.

Currently ranked: 8thPlays against Slovenia on 23rd June in Port Elizabeth

4teAmS, 2pLACeS

enGLAnd – the teAm tO SurprISe?

DATE TIME TEAMS LOCATION

Friday, June 11

4pm SAR vs Mexico Johannesburg

8.30pm Uruguay vs France Cape Town

Saturday, June 12

1.30pm Argentina vs Nigeria Johannesburg

4pm South Korea vs Greece

Port Elizabeth

8.30pm England vs USA Rustenburg

DATE TIME TEAMS LOCATION

Sunday, June 13

1.30pm Algeria vs Slovenia Polokwane

4pm Germany vs Australia Durban

8.30pm Serbia vs Ghana Pretoria

Monday, June 14

1.30pm Netherlands vs Denmark

Johannesburg

4pm Japan vs Cameroon Bloemfontein

8.30pm Italy vs Paraguay Cape Town

Tuesday, June 15

1.30pm New Zealand vs Slovakia

Rustenburg

4pm Ivory Coast vs Portugal

Port Elizabeth

8.30pm Brasil vs North Korea Johannesburg

Wednesday, June 16

1.30pm Honduras vs Chile Nelspruit

4pm Spain vs Switzerland Durban

8.30pm SAR vs Uruguay Pretoria

Thursday, June 17

1.30pm France vs Mexico Polokwane

4pm Greece vs Nigeria Bloemfontein

8.30pm Argentina vs South Korea

Johannesburg

Friday, June 18

1.30pm Germany vs Serbia Port Elizabeth

4pm Slovenia vs USA Johannesburg

AS IF yOu Were there…Except for a few lucky ones who will have a chance to visit South Africa to see the World Cup matches in stadiums, most eyes will be focused on TV screens during the dramatic moments of football games. Watching a game in a group adds to the experience and, as usual, friends will gather in private and public places. No wonder TV sets and beer are the focus of more advertising recently.

Without doubt, every town has at least one public place where people can gather and cheer for the team. Ljubljana has dozens and they need no special mention. Beside a few dedicated places where showing sports events are a part of the regular services, bars and pubs will crawl with people who frequently turn into a choir emitting loud sounds like “Noooo!”, “Yeaaah!!” or “Goooal!!!” The biggest dedicated place for watching football will be at Gospodarsko razstavišče, where a large screen will offer the best possible experience.

In Slovenia, the national broadcaster’s second channel will be in charge of delivering a sharp picture and clear sound, along with good commentary.

SCheduLe RTVSlo2, Central European time

Radio Television Slovenia has exclusive rights for transmission of all 64 of this year’s World Cup matches; 56 will be available in the transmission and 8 in the recordings, because they will be aired at the same time. Due to the qualification of Slovenian national football team in the World Cup 2010, RTV Slovenia will work on the scene with its own production of TV-signal (especially for the studio requirements) and press-production team of 23 members. The studio program from Johannesburg will be held on both regular daily and exceptional basis directly from the studio in the immediate proximity to the centre of the Slovenian national team. Matches will be commented by 6 television and 3 radio journalists.

VENERA SHOPS AROUND SLOVENIA

LJUBLJANA:Tržaška cesta 63Trubarjeva ulica 43Topniška cesta 35dVošnjakova ulica 5

MARIBOR:Strossmayerjeva ulica 1Vetrinjska ulica 11

CELJE: Cankarjeva 4

VELENJE: Šaleška ulica 19a

NOVO MESTO: Ljubljanska cesta 26

KOPER: Ulica pri Velikih vratih 18

MEDVODE: Seškova ulica 9

KRANJ:Jenkova ulica 6, Šuceva ulica 25

IZOLA:Prešernova cesta 53

DOMŽALE:Breznikova cesta 15

NOVA GORICA:Ulica Gradnikove brigade 53

DATE TIME TEAMS LOCATION

Friday, June 18

8.30pm England vs Algeria Cape Town

Saturday, June 19

1.30pm Ghana vs Australia Rustenburg

4pm Netherlands vs Japan Durban

8.30pm Cameroon vs Denmark

Pretoria

Sunday, June 20

1.30pm Slovakia vs Paraguay Bloemfontein

4pm Italy vs New Zealand Nelspruit

8.30pm Brasil vs Ivory Coast Johannesburg

Monday, June 21

1.30pm Portugal vs North Korea

Cape Town

4pm Chile vs Switzerland Port Elizabeth

8.30pm Spain vs Honduras Johannesburg

Tuesday, June 22

4pm France vs SAR Bloemfontein

4pm Mexico vs Uruguay Rustenburg

8.30pm Nigeria vs South Korea

Durban

8.30pm Greece vs Argentina Polokwane

Wednesday, June 23

4pm Slovenia vs England Port Elizabeth

DATE TIME TEAMS LOCATION

Wednesday, June 23

4pm USA vs Algeria Pretoria

8.30pm Australia vs Serbia Nelspruit

8.30pm Ghana vs Germany Johannesburg

Thursday, June 24

4pm Paraguay vs New Zealand

Polokwane

4pm Slovakia vs Italy Johannesburg

8.30pm Cameroon vs Netherlands

Cape Town

8.30pm Denmark vs Japan Rustenburg

Friday, June 25

4pm North Korea vs Ivory Coast

Nelspruit

4pm Portugal vs Brasil Durban

8.30pm Switzerland vs Honduras

Bloemfontain

8.30pm Chile vs Spain Pretoria

Samir Handanović14. 7. 1984, Udinese

Jasmin Handanović28. 1. 1978; Mantova

Aleksander Šeliga1. 2. 1980, Sparta Rotterdam

theSLOvenIAn nAtIOnAL teAm Selector Matjaž KeK’S

LISt OF 26 pLAyerS

Bojan Jokić17. 5. 1986, Chievo

Marko Šuler9. 3. 1983, Gent

Boštjan Cesar9. 7. 1982, Grenoble

Branko Ilić6. 2. 1983, Lokomotiva Moskva

Matej Mavrič-Rožič29. 1. 1979, Koblenz

Dejan Kelhar5. 4. 1984, Cercle Brugge

Elvedin Džinić25. 8. 1985, Maribor

Mišo Brečko1. 5. 1984, Köln

Suad Fileković16. 9. 1978, Maribor

GOALKEEPERS DEFENDERS

theSLOvenIAn nAtIOnAL teAm

MIDFIELDERS

Andraž Kirm6. 9. 1984, Wisla Krakov

Andrej Komac4. 12. 1979, Maccabi Tel-Aviv

Rene Krhin21. 5. 1990, Inter

Mirnes Šišić8. 8. 1981, Giannina

Darjan Matić28. 5. 1983, Rapid Bucharest

Dalibor Stevanović27. 9. 1984, Vitesse Arnhem

Robert Koren20. 9. 1980, West Bromwich Albion

Aleksander Radosavljević25. 4. 1979, Larisa

Valter Birsa7. 8. 1986, Auxerre

FORWARDS

Milivoje Novaković18. 5. 1979, Köln

Zlatko Dedić5. 10. 1984, Bochum

Zlatan Ljubijankić15. 12. 1983, Gent

Nejc Pečnik3. 1. 1986, Nacional Funchal

Tim Matavž13. 1. 1989, Groningen

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