|
Scouting
Report
Style of play: Defence is the hallmark of Slovenia's
style of soccer, as they put as many men as they can
behind the ball when defending. They play a very slow,
calculated game, relying on quick counterattacks for
the bulk of its scoring chances. Coach Srecko Katanec
usually selects a 3-4-2-1 formation, with a flat-back
three, two holding midfielders who routinely drop back,
and two playmaking forwards who slot in directly behind
the striker. The two forwards are the engine room of
Slovenia's attack, carrying the ball forward and providing
service to the striker.
Strengths:
Team unity -- Perhaps more than any other side
at this year's World Cup, Slovenia play as a team. The
skill level of its players pales in comparison to nations
like France, Italy and Argentina, but Slovenia can boast
a tightly knit squad that plays with a great deal of
resolve.
Coaching -- Srecko Katanec has the respect and
loyalty of his players after leading the tiny nation
to qualification in Euro 2000 and to this year's World
Cup. He has created a productive environment for his
players, stressing hard work and team spirit, and the
players have bought in.
Defence -- Slovenia is very tough to break down
at the back. With a flat-back trio of defenders, supported
by midfielders who drop back to add support, opposing
strikers will find a lot of traffic in their way if
they try to dribble towards the penalty area.
Weaknesses:
Zahovic factor -- Slovenia's attack relies on
the form of playmaking midfielder Zlatko Zahovic. If
teams can manage to effectively mark him, Slovenia's
attack will sputter.
Playing 90 minutes -- The Slovenians has a reputation
of being unable to finish off opponents. During qualifying,
they led the tiny Faeroe Islands 2-0, only to concede
two goals in the final five minutes and throw away the
game. They can't afford similar breakdowns if Slovenia
is to advance to the second round.
First-team experience -- The bulk of Slovenia's
players play all over Europe, but very few of them are
starters. This lack of regular first-team action means
coach Srecko Katanec will be forced to start players
who may not be in game shape.
Key injuries/squad omissions:
Defender Marinko Galic is currently undergoing treatment
on a muscle problem, but will likely be fit in time
for the tournament…. Midfielder Milenko Acimovic
suffered a thigh injury in training but won't miss any
action….
Outlook: The Slovenians showed a great deal
of grit and determination in qualifying for the World
Cup. They are a scrappy side capable of pulling off
major upsets (as evidenced by their victory over Romania
in a two-legged playoff to earn a birth at this year's
World Cup) and winning "ugly" games. First
place is beyond their capabilities, as Spain is a sure
bet to win Group B. A second-place finish is more likely,
but it won't be easy. Slovenia will have to win against
both Paraguay and South Africa if it has any hope of
advancing to the second round. Short of that, they'll
finish third in the group ahead of South Africa.
The
Country
Location: Southeastern Europe, eastern Alps
bordering the Adriatic Sea, between Austria and Croatia.
Capital: Ljubljana
Area: 20,253 sq km
Population:1,927,593 (July 2000 est.)
Government type: Parliamentary democratic republic
Climate: Mediterranean climate on the coast,
continental climate with mild to hot summers and cold
winters in the plateaus and valleys to the east.
Ethnic groups: Slovene 88%, Croat 3%, Serb 2%,
Bosniak 1%, Yugoslav 0.6%, Hungarian 0.4%, other 5%
(1991).
Religions: Roman Catholic 70.8% (including Uniate
2%), Lutheran 1%, Muslim 1%, atheist 4.3%, other 22.9%.
Languages: Slovenian 91%, Serbo-Croatian 6%,
other 3%.
History: In 1918 the Slovenes united with the
Serbs and Croats to establishing a new nation, renamed
Yugoslavia in 1929. After World War II, Slovenia became
a republic of the renewed, communist Yugoslavia, but
dissociated itself from Moscow's rule. Disgruntled with
the exercise of power of the majority Serbs, the Slovenes
seceded and became an independent nation 1991.
|
