The Slovenia National Football Team
Slovenian Soccer Results Since the Break up of Yugoslavia
Nov 19, 2009 Jonathan Squirrell
Slovenia made their competitive bow in the qualifying tournament for Euro 96, and they made an immediate impact, managing to hold the mighty Italy to a 1-1 draw. However that proved to be a high point in the campaign, which produced only three Slovenian victories in ten matches. It was another former Yugoslav republic, Croatia, who topped the group edging out Italy on goal difference. Slovenia and Croatia were soon destined to meet again, as both sides battled to qualify for the 1998 World Cup, in a group which also included Bosnia-Herzegovina. It was an unhappy campaign for Slovenia however, as they lost seven out of eight matches and finished rock bottom of the group, which was won by Denmark.
Slovenia Qualify for the European Championships
Better days were just around the corner however, as Slovenia were given a favourable draw for the 2000 European Championship qualifying campaign. Norway were to dominate the group, but Slovenia battled with Greece and Latvia for second place, with Albania and Georgia struggling to make any impact on the race to qualify. Despite being beaten twice by Norway, and taking only a single point off the Greeks, Slovenia held off their challengers to finish second in the group, and claim a play-off spot. Again the draw was kind of them as they avoided the likes of England, Turkey and Denmark and were pitted against the Ukraine. Slovenia played the first leg at home, and came from behind to win 2-1. In the second leg in Kiev they once again fell behind, but a late equaliser saw them snatch a draw, and seal a 3-2 aggregate win which saw them reach the Championship finals in Belgium and the Netherlands. Slovenia were considered rank outsiders for the tournament, but made a dramatic start, building a 3-0 lead over Yugoslavia in their opening match. They could not maintain the momentum however, and were eventually held 3-3. A narrow defeat to Spain and a draw with Norway saw them eliminated in the first round.
Slovenia Reach Their First World Cup
Slovenia were given an immediate chance for revenge over Yugoslavia when the teams were drawn in the same group for the 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign. Both matches between the two sides finished 1-1 draws, but overall it was Slovenia who got the better of their rivals, winning five and drawing three of their remaining games, including a memorable home victory over Russia. Despite the Slovenians unbeaten record, it was Russia who topped the table, and Slovenia were forced into another play-off. This time they were drawn against Romania, and as two years previously they came from behind to win 2-1 in Ljubljana, before sealing qualification with a draw away from home. Slovenia had reached the World Cup in Japan and Korea, but once again they were drawn against Spain, and, once again, they were beaten. This result was followed by disappointing defeats to South Africa and Paraguay, and Slovenia were left without a point from their first World Cup experience.
The next challenge was to attempt qualification for a third successive major championship, and Slovenia made steady progress through their group, despite two defeats to France. They remained unbeaten by Israel, Cyprus and Malta to take second spot, and once again go into the play-offs. This time they were up against their old rivals Croatia. The first leg was played in Zagreb, and Slovenia left the happier side after a 1-1 draw, but luck finally ran out on the Slovenians in the return fixture, as a 1-0 defeat meant it was Croatia and not they who qualified for Euro 2004 in Portugal. The next campaign was to be a relative failure for Slovenia, as they could only finish fourth in their group during qualifying for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Dropped points against Scotland and Belarus left Slovenia some way off the pace, but they did manage a stunning home victory over the group winners Italy. The attempt to qualify for the 2008 European Championships failed to bring any similar consolations however, as Slovenia managed just three wins from twelve games, failing even to beat Albania. They finished sixth out of seven teams, far behind the Netherlands and Romania, who topped the table.
Slovenia Oust Russia to Reach South Africa
Following these failures, Slovenia were given little chance of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, particularly as their group included the Czech Republic, as well as the likes of Slovakia and Poland. However an unbeaten home record and two away wins saw the Slovenian team edge out the fancied Czechs to finish second in the table, behind the surprise winners Slovakia. Slovenia were drawn against Russia in the play-offs, and snatched a vital late goal in Moscow to keep themselves in the tie after a 2-1 defeat. A 1-0 home victory then saw them reach South Africa on the away goals rule.
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