Slovenia

Confederation: UEFA (Europe)
Head coach: Matjaž Kek
Captain: Robert Koren
Group: C

Slovenia is the smallest nation that will be taking part in the World Cup this summer. This will be their second World Cup outing, since splitting from Yugoslavia in 1991. The Slovenians advanced through to the Finals by impressively beating giants, Russia, in the playoffs. They were placed in group C, along with Algeria, England and USA. They will have to perform amazingly well to reach the second round, as they are the clear underdogs in this group.

Captain Robert Koren will be familiar to English fans, as he played for newly promoted West Bromich Albion. The midfielder has good technical ability and can score some spectacular goals. Slovenia will need their star man to perform, if they are to succeed this summer. Head coach, Matjaž Kek, has picked his squad and it consists of players scattered all over Europe


Squad:

Samir Handanovic (Udinese), Jasmin Handanovic (Mantova), Aleksander Seliga (Sparta Rotterdam); Bojan Jokic (Chievo), Marko Suler (Gent), Bostjan Cesar (Grenoble), Branko Ilic (FC Moscow), Matej Mavric-Rozic (Koblenz), Elvedin Dzinic (Maribor), Miso Brecko (Cologne), Suad Filekovic (Maribor); Andraz Kirm (Wisla Krakow), Andrej Komac (Maccabi Tel-Aviv), Rene Krhin (Inter Milan), Dalibor Stevanovic (Vitesse Arnhem), Robert Koren (West Brom), Aleksander Radosavljevic (Larissa), Valter Birsa (Auxerre); Milivoje Novakovic (Cologne), Zlatko Dedic (Bochum), Zlatan Ljubijankic (Gent), Nejc Pecnik (Nacional), Tim Matavz (FC Groningen)


Ant Myers