The country of Tadej Pogacar and Luka Doncic also knows how to play football. For the second Euro in its history, Slovenia is advancing as one of the natural little Thumbs of the competition. But with a real captain in goal, a rather prolific attack and the euphoria of this historic qualification, the Slovenes have the hope of making it through the groups.
The anecdote
Without the slightest victory at Euro 2000 and the 2022 World Cup, Slovenia has only won once in a major tournament: at the 2010 World Cup, against Algeria (1-0). No player from the current group was present at the time: all those selected will therefore discover the excitement of a major competition.
The last six Euros
Team form
Slovenia snatched their qualification at the cost of a solid qualifying campaign, despite two defeats in Finland and Denmark. A feat, given the poor history of the Slovenes in competition. The euphoria increased in March, when the selection beat Portugal (2-0) in Ljubljana, for what represented, despite the friendly nature of the meeting, one of Slovenia’s greatest performances. The selection also beat Armenia (2-1) for its first preparation match.
Match schedule
Consult the profiles of all the teams on the Euro guide. And those in Group C in particular, namely Denmark, Serbia and England.
The list of selected players
No star but several experienced players accustomed to major championships. In addition to Oblak, striker Benjamin Šeško, in good form with Leipzig, will be particularly scrutinized. The returning Josip Ilicic (36 years old), ex-Atalanta star retired to the country after personal problems, is also to be followed.
Guardians: Jan Oblak (Atlético de Madrid), Vid Belec (Apoel Nicosia), Luka Vekic (Sistiana), Matevz Vidovsek (NK Olimpija) Defenders: Jure Balkovec (Alanyaspor), Jaka Bijol (Udinese), Miha Blazic (Lech Poznan), David Brekalo (Orlando), Vanja Drkusic (Sochi), Erik Janza (Górnik Zabrze), Zan Karnicnik (NK Celje), Petar Stojanović (Sampdoria Gênes), Zan Zaletel (Viborg FF) Milieu: Timi Max Elsnik (NK Olimpija), Adam Gnezda Cerin (Panathinaïkos), Jon Gorenc Stankovic (Sturm Graz), Tomi Horvat (Sturm Graz), Jasmin Kurtic (Südtirol), Sandi Lovric (Udinese), Benjamin Verbic (Panathinaïkos), Miha Zajc (Fenerbahçe), Adrian Zeljkovic (Spartak Trnava ), Nino Zugelj (Bodø/Glimt) Attackers: Zan Celar (FC Lugano), Josip Ilicic (NK Maribor), Jan Mlakar (Pise), Benjamin Šeško (RB Leipzig), Andraž Šporar (Panathinaïkos), Zan Vipotnik (Girondins de Bordeaux ), Luka Zahovic (Szczecin Drive)
The probable composition
After continuously opting for a 4-4-2 in qualifying, Slovenia opted for a 4-3-3 against Armenia at the beginning of June. How will she venture into the Euro? In any case, Vanja Drkusic is in the balance with ex-Angevin Miha Blazic for a place in central defense. The same goes for the very experienced Jasmin Kurtic and Josip Ilicic (nearly 300 Serie A matches each), brought to play a role in the rotation.
Player to watch: Jan Oblak
Jan Oblak, Atlético de Madrid goalkeeper, will masterfully lead his team. When you know the importance of a great goalkeeper in such a competition, watch out for Slovenia… SUSA/Icon Sport
For a team inexperienced in major international competitions, a goalkeeper of Jan Oblak’s caliber is a godsend. With more than 450 matches in the cages of Atlético de Madrid, including around a hundred in the European Cup, he is, at 31 years old, undoubtedly the captain of this selection. The captain of Slovenia will bring his experience to guide a defense without reference at this level.
