For the first time in over two decades, Slovenia are in the finals of the UEFA European Championship.
In fact, this is Reprezentanca’s first appearance at a major competition in 14 long years. Manager Matjaž Kek was also in charge for their 2010 World Cup qualification.
They left it late to secure their status as one of Europe’s 24 competing nations in Germany, an 86th-minute winner from substitute Benjamin Verbič against Kazakhstan making the all-important difference.
That Verbič goal saw the 16,000 fans packed inside Ljubljana’s Stožice Stadium transported to cloud nine as their dreams were confirmed: the eastern Alpine nation were heading back to the EUROs.
Though some of the squad may be foreign to many fans, plenty of neutral supporters will have their eyes peeled for the individual performance of one Slovenian in particular this summer. Top clubs all across Europe are pursuing striker Benjamin Šeško.
English giants Arsenal and Chelsea are amongst those reportedly interested in the RB Leipzig talisman, who managed five goals throughout Reprezentanca’s EURO2024 qualification (second only in the group to Denmark’s Rasmus Højlund).
Embed from Getty ImagesAt just 21 years of age, Šeško was not even born when his nation last qualified for the EUROs. With 14 Bundesliga goals to his name this season, he will no doubt be this Slovenia side’s go-to this summer.
Another key player for Kek’s side is the indomitable Jan Oblak between the sticks. At 31, the so-called ‘Octopus of Škofja Loka’ has been widely regarded as one of the best shot-stoppers in world football since he joined Atlético Madrid in 2014.
Oblak was a key factor behind Slovenia ending Group H of the qualification process with the fewest goals conceded, and will remain one of their most important players at EURO2024.
The inclusion of experienced forward Josip Iličić tugged at heartstrings across the footballing world. The former Atalanta man made his first appearance for Slovenia since November 2021 earlier this month, having fallen into depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. ‘Il professore’, as the Italian media called him, marked his return to the international stage by scoring the winner as a substitute in Reprezentanca’s 2-1 friendly win over Armenia.
Embed from Getty ImagesNow playing for NK Maribor, 36-year-old Iličić looks to help take his nation on an unexpected run in what might be his last major tournament with Slovenia.
Advancing from the group stage may be easier said than done. Fellow Group C sides England, Denmark, and Serbia all pose a significant threat to the ‘Sunny Side of the Alps’.
Could they sneak a win against Serbia, or a shock result against the Danes or English? Stranger things have happened.
With no shortage of poetic storylines, sought-after talent, and one of Europe’s finest between the sticks, could Matjaž Kek’s Slovenia be the dark horses of EURO2024? You can follow their campaign, and read all about their group opponents, here on FromTheSpot.
