|
 |   |
EVENTS Fantasy Central Inside Game Multimedia Central Statitudes Your Turn Message Boards Email Newsletters Golf Guide Cities Work in Sports
CNNSI.com GROUP
COMMERCE |  |
TEAM PROFILE
They are the supreme underdogs, a new country formed from the breakup of the former Yugoslavia with a proud people and a football team eager to stuff the "no-hopers" tag down the throats of their opponents. If ever a side had everything to gain and nothing to lose, Slovenia is that country. In fairness, Slovenia's was arguably the weakest of all the qualifying groups. But that should not detract from a remarkable achievement that may never be repeated. The team will be the focus of attention for a nation of two million people where feelings and emotions run high. Indeed, Slovenia's opener against Yugoslavia on June 13 has a special significance of its own, embracing far more than just a football match. Until 1991, Slovenia was a Yugoslav Republic and avoiding defeat against "Big Brother" in Charleroi will be seen as a major feat back in Ljubljana. Anything but three defeats, in fact, will constitute a bonus for Slovenia who secured their place in football folklore with a battling 1-1 draw in a Kiev snowstorm that edged out Ukraine in the playoffs. Holding the key to Slovenia's hopes will be Zlatko Zahovic, one of Europe's most dangerous midfielders, who plundered nine goals in the qualifying competition. Zahovic has had a turbulent season at Greek side Olympiakos, where he was suspended for part of the season, but his presence at Euro 2000 will ensure that Slovenia, where ski-jumping and basketball have traditionally been the major sports, is no soft touch. Srecko Katanec, their 36-year-old coach, is hailed as the man who instilled discipline and confidence into the side. A former Yugoslav international, he is bullish about the 80-1 outsiders' chances of further upsets in Holland and Belgium. "I taught my boys that team spirit is what matters most," he said. "We don't want to be cannon-fodder at the Championships. If we attack, we know we can beat some of the fancied teams." CNNSI.com's Gabriele Marcotti: Slovenia is the Cinderella team of the tournament and, barring major acts of God, it will return to pumpkin status in the first round. Enjoy the silky skills of Zahovic while you can, because he won't be around for very long.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Slovenia
