Slovenia

FIFA World Ranking (November 2001): 27th

2002 World Cup qualifying: Finished second in UEFA "Group 1" (5-0-5; 17 GF, 9 GA); defeated Romania in home-and-home playoff 3-2 on aggregate score.

2001 Overall Record: 5-2-5

World Cup final appearances: 1 - 2002

Overall Record in WC: First appearance

Record vs. U.S.: Never met

Manager: Sreckok Katanec (SVN)

Key Players: Zlatko Zahovic (M, Benfica), Milenko Acimovic (M, Crevena Zvedza)

Fast Facts: Slovenia went undefeated and survived a group with Russia, Switzerland and Yugoslavia -- and a playoff with Romania -- to qualify for their first World Cup.... Opened with just one win and four draws in their first five matches before finishing with four wins and one draw.... In their first attempt to qualify for the World Cup in 1998, they failed to win a game and earned just one draw in eight games.... Team is led by forward and leading scorer Zlatko Zahovic.