World Cup Record: Groups Stage 2002

Manager: Matjaz Kek
Key Player: Milivoje Novakovic
Qualified: 2nd Group 3 Europe, Play-offs
Odds: 200/1

Relative newcomers to the international stage having been formed in 1992 following the break-up of Yugoslavia, Slovenia will be making their second appearance at a World Cup finals – they failed to win a game in their only other showing in Japan/Korea 2002. Lost out to local rivals, Slovakia, in Qualification Group 3, but still impressed in taking the scalps of more seasoned World Cup nations Czech Republic and Poland. Furthered their reputation in the two-legged play-off when putting out heavy favourites Russia on away goals. One of the best defences in European football, they may have a busy time in South Africa.

Milivoje Novakovic

Age: 30
Position: Centre Forward
Club: Cologne (Germany – Bundesliga)
Caps: 36 (13 goals)

A late developer at international level, Novakovic didn’t make his Slovenia debut until the age of 27. His club career was beginning to take on the appearance of that of a journeyman, moving between Austrian teams Mattersburg and LASK Linz and then onto Bulgarian outfit Litex Lovech before finally settling at German Bundesliga 2 side Cologne in 2006. He was top scorer in the division during his first season and helped Cologne to promotion in 2008. Novakovic was on the scoresheet five times during Slovenia’s World Cup qualifying campaign and his contribution will be vital in South Africa.