Slovenia’s has made a triumphant return to the European Championship stage, securing their first spot since 2000. This achievement is largely attributed to the outstanding performances of their star striker, Benjamin Sesko. Sesko, who has been making waves in European football, is seen as a crucial player for Slovenia as they prepare to face England, Denmark, and Serbia in Group C.
Sesko, the 6’4″ goal machine, has been a revelation since his debut season with RB Leipzig, scoring 18 goals in the 2023/24 campaign. His impressive performances have drawn comparisons to some of football’s greatest strikers. While a summer move to Manchester City remains speculative, his current form and potential have undoubtedly put him on the radar of top clubs and pundits alike. Slovenia’s hopes in the tournament heavily rest on Sesko’s shoulders, and his ability to perform on the big stage could make all the difference for the team.
Manager and Key Players: The Backbone of Slovenia’s Campaign
The Slovenian squad is helmed by the experienced Matjaž Kek, who has instilled a sense of resilience and tactical discipline in the team. Under his guidance, Slovenia has shown significant improvement and cohesion, which were pivotal in their successful qualification campaign. Kek’s strategic acumen will be vital as Slovenia navigates the challenging waters of Group C.
Captain Jan Oblak, the formidable Atletico Madrid goalkeeper, remains the linchpin of Slovenia’s defense. Despite Sesko’s rising star status, Oblak’s leadership and experience are invaluable to the squad. Known for his shot-stopping prowess and command of the penalty area, Oblak provides a solid foundation at the back. Alongside Oblak, players like Josip Iličić and Miha Zajc bring creativity and flair to the midfield, complementing Sesko’s goal-scoring abilities up front. The synergy between these key players will be essential for Slovenia’s prospects in Euro 2024.
Road to Qualification: A Tale of Determination and Skill
Slovenia’s journey to Euro 2024 was marked by determination and consistent performances. They narrowly missed out on the top spot in Group H, finishing second to Denmark based on head-to-head results. Despite this, Slovenia comfortably outperformed Finland, Kazakhstan, Northern Ireland, and San Marino to secure their qualification. This achievement is a testament to the team’s growth and ability to perform under pressure.
The group stage draw presents a formidable challenge for Slovenia, as they are paired with heavyweights England and Denmark, along with a strong Serbian side. Historically, Slovenia has struggled to progress beyond the group stages, as seen in their solo appearance in 2000. However, with Sesko’s firepower and a well-organized squad, Slovenia could potentially upset the odds. A realistic target for Slovenia would be to compete fiercely for the best third-place spot, which could be enough to advance to the knockout stages. The upcoming showdown with England will be a litmus test for Slovenia’s aspirations and capabilities in the tournament.
SLOVENIA EURO 2024 FIXTURES & SCHEDULE
Group C
Sunday, Jun 16: Slovenia v Denmark, 5pm (Stuttgart Arena, Stuttgart)
Thursday, Jun 20: Slovenia v Serbia 2pm (Allianz Arena, Munich)
Tuesday, Jun 25: England v Slovenia 8pm (Cologne Stadium, Cologne)
SLOVENIA EURO 2024 SQUAD
Slovenia will confirm their final squad ahead of the June 6 deadline. Below is their 30 player preliminary squad.
GOALKEEPERS: Jan Oblak, Vid Belec, Igor Vekic, Matevz Vidovsek.
DEFENDERS: Petar Stojanovic, Jaka Bijol, Miha Blazic, Jure Balkovec, Zan Karnicnik, David Brekalo, Erik Janza, Vanja Drkusic, Zan Zaletel.
MIDFIELDERS: Jasmin Kurtic, Benjaim Verbic, Miha Zajc, Sandi Lovric, Adam Gnezda Cerin, Jon Gorenc Stankovic, Timi Max Elsnik, Tomi Horvat, Adrian Zeljkovic, Nino Zugelj.
FORWARDS: Benjamin Sesko, Josip Ilicic, Andraz Sporar, Luka Zahovic, Jan Mlakar, Zan Celar, Zan Vipotnik
