The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
How Slovenia shape up
PA Sport assesses Scotland’s opponents Slovenia, who sit second in Group F of Europe’s World Cup qualifiers.
FORM Slovenia were 2-0 down with 13 minutes left of their opening qualifier in Lithuania but two headed goals earned them a point, with the equaliser coming deep into injury-time. They have since kept three clean sheets, which earned them a point against England and one-goal victories over Slovakia and Malta.
MANAGER Srecko Katanec knows all about reaching major tournaments and success against Scotland. The former Sampdoria player scored twice against the Scots in helping Yugoslavia qualify for the 1990 World Cup. He led Slovenia to major finals in 2000 and 2002 during the first spell in charge of his native country and later managed Macedonia, where he masterminded a 1-0 victory over George Burley’s Scotland in a World Cup qualifier in 2008. After a spell in the Middle East, he returned to take over Slovenia in 2013 and led them to the Euro 2016 play-offs, losing to Ukraine.
PLAYERS Slovenia’s clean sheets are in large part down to Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak, whose agile shot-stopping prowess helped the Spaniards reach last season’s Champions League final. They have experience in central defence with record cap-holder Bostjan Cesar of Chievo and Miral Samradzic, both in their 30s. Hearts right-back Andraz Struna vies for a place with brother Aljaz. Chievo’s Valter Birsa, provides creativity in midfield. Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Kevin Kampl has returned to the squad after a self-imposed exile. Fiorentina playmaker Josep Ilicic offers unpredictability in attack. Milivoje Novakovic started up front in Malta.
TACTICS Katanec prefers a flat back four and a midfield diamond, but opted for a lone striker and a five-man midfield when his side drew 0-0 with England.