Sreck: My Slov affair is not over quite yet
DEFIANT Srecko Katanec is adamant Slovenia can still qualify for the World Cup and will be going all out to bring down Scotland.
The Slovenians currently look like the Group F outsiders in the fight to claim second spot behind winners England.
Scotland know a win in Ljubjana this evening would seal that prize but if they were to lose then Slovakia would be in the mix for a play-off spot with a last-day victory over Malta.
Slovenia would need to beat the Scots, hope Malta stun the Slovaks and then keep their fingers crossed that they would have enough points to finish as one of the best second-placed teams.
Katanec, who will step down at the end of this campaign, said: “The expectations are the same as every other game.
“We have a mathematical chance to qualify and, as long as that is the case, we will do our best.
“We are well prepared and the atmosphere within the squad is good.
“I believe and I wish that we will do our part and hope for the best in Slovakia.”
Katanec, 54, confirmed he was going to resign after Thursday’s late defeat to England.
He has come under fire for a poor qualifying campaign and failing to reach the previous heights of his last stint in charge when he led Slovenia to Euro 2000 and World Cup 2002.
Katanec refused to say why he was stepping down.
When asked, he said: “Some of the Slovenian journalists who have been trying to undermine me over the past are not here.
“I don’t want to go into details now.
“I won’t discuss my situation while we are still in a position to qualify but I have personal problems that I need to deal with and I will speak about it later.
“I will explain my decision after the game.”
Katanec also insisted he would not walk out on Slovenia until after Russia if they made it to the finals.
“There is no question of me not staying until the campaign is finished,” he added. “If we qualify for the play-offs, I will be there. If we qualify for the World Cup, I will be there.”