Underdog with sharp bite

Tiny Slovenia could be big obstacle to group rivals

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia (AP) -- As the tiniest and least populated country to make an appearance at the World Cup this summer, Slovenia doesn't really have the hardware to vie for soccer's most prized title.

It does, however, have the potential to become a nasty thorn in the side of the favorites.

"Unfortunately, we don't have a major reputation and we don't have any major names," coach Srecko Katanec said, settling for the role of underdog.

Luckily, what Slovenia does have is often not as benign as it looks.

The former Yugoslav republic, wedged between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, is overflowing with grit and determination. Its players can run, tackle, pass and, above all, shoot. Add some speed, stamina and heart, and Slovenia can emerge as a major World Cup surprise.

Instead of fighting fire with fire, Slovenia, better known for its prowess in skiing than soccer, drives its rivals to the point of insanity by ceaselessly nibbling at their attempts to mount organized moves or offensives.

Katanec says the key is not having a star like Zinedine Zidane or Luis Figo in the line-up, but optimally fit players who are able to bite continually for the whole 90 minutes.

"We're not taking children on an excursion," he said. "It's about discipline and whoever fails the fitness test will be left at home."

Slovenia's straightforward, uncomplicated style, which has been brought to the verge of perfection by constant repetition over the past few years, helped it knock out highly regarded Yugoslavia and finish second behind Russia in qualifying Group 1.

The side, which was undefeated in 10 matches, then eliminated favorites Romania by a 3-2 aggregate in a runner-up playoff.

"Our greatest strength lies in our unity," the 39-year-old Katanec said. "After 3 1/2 years of playing together in the same formation, we are more like a club than a national squad."

Katanec, who won the European Cup Winners' Cup with Italy's Sampdoria as a player, fields a compact and well-disciplined team which rests on a tightly-knitted backline. The midfield is versatile and has the ability to quickly transform from defense into attack.

Marinko Galic, who plays for local club Koper, commands Slovenia's defense alongside Zeljko Milinovic of Jef United, Japan, and Aleksander Knavs of Germany's Kaiserslautern.

The center of the pitch is congested with an array of journeymen who ply their trade on lesser-known European teams.

A catalyst in midfield, Zlatko Zahovic is Slovenia's standout player and the country's fortunes are intrinsically linked to his tantalizing runs on and off the ball. The mercurial star, who plays for Portugal's Benfica, has scored 31 goals in 62 matches in national colors.

Slovenia is in Group B of the World Cup with perennial underachievers Spain, unpredictable Paraguay and lesser-known South Africa. They will play the first round in South Korea.

Although the squad held much-favored Croatia to a 0-0 draw in a friendly in April, Katanec said that an earlier 5-1 whopping at the hands of minnow Honduras in the Carlsberg Cup in Hong Kong should act as a reminder of what a lack of concentration can result in.

"Whoever thinks Paraguay and South Africa are easybeats is badly mistaken," Katanec said. "They have players in top European clubs and are well acclimatized to the hot and humid conditions that await us."

 

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