The excitement is building as we get closer to opening match of the 2010 World Cup. Continuing on with the nations in Group C, as the surprise Eastern European side of Slovenia will be ballin in South Africa.

Official Name: Football Association of Slovenia



Nickname: None

FIFA Confederation: UEFA (Europe)

FIFA Code: SVN

How They Qualified: Defeated Russia 2-2 on away goals in playoff.

World Cup Appearances (Including 2010): 2

Best WC Finish: Korea/Japan 2002, group stage elimination

World Cup Record (MP: Wins - Draws - Losses): 3: 0W - 0D - 3L

Head Coach: Matjaž Kek

Most Capped Player (# of caps): Zlatko Zahovič (80)

All-Time Goal Scoring Leader (# of goals): Zlatko Zahovič (35)

Brief Footballing History:
Slovenia footballing history was wrapped up in Yugoslavia's football history until 1992 when the nation of Yugoslavia was disbanded. Since 1992, after the formal formation of Slovenia's national team, they qualified for its 1st European championship in 2000 and their 1st World Cup two years later in Korea/Japan.

Player To Watch:
The future of Slovenia's midfield could be unleashed right now in South Africa 2010 in the form of Inter Milan's midfielder Rene Krhin.

(Eurosport Italia)
The 19-year old native of Maribor was called up for the 2-leg playoff against Russia and has a bright future for both club and country. His versatility in central midfield will be critical in setting up Slovenia's leading goal scorer right now, Milivoje Novakovič and defensively in winning possession and neutralizing the opposition's playmakers.

Outlook:
Slovenia has yet to win a match in a major international tournament but this could be the year. Slovenia displayed a lot of grit and toughness in defeating a more talented Russian team. Slovenia's have an excellent chance of advancing out of the group because of the doubts surrounding Algeria and the United States. The key will be Slovenia's approach to each match, they will have to be aggressive and take advantage of the Algeria's and US's weak offenses.

WC Group Schedule:
June 12 vs. USA
June 18 vs. Algeria
June 23 vs. Slovenia

The USA is the final team in Group C to breakdown.