Slovenian team at EURO 2024
Composition of the Slovenian national team
Goalkeepers: Jan Oblak, Vid Belec, Igor Vekić, Matevž Vidovšek.
Defenders: Petar Stojanović, Jaka Bijol, Miha Blažič, Jure Balkovec, Žan Karničnik, David Brekalo, Erik Janža, Vanja Drkušić, Žan Žaletel.
Midfielders: Jasmin Kurtić, Benjamin Verbič, Adam Gnezda Čerin, Miha Zajc, Sandi Lovrić, Jon Gorenc Stanković, Tomi Horvat, Timi Max Elšnik, Adrian Zeljković, Nino Žugelj.
Forwards: Josip Iličić, Andraž Šporar, Benjamin Šeško, Luka Zahović, Jan Mlakar, Žan Celar, Žan Vipotnik.
History of the Slovenian football team
The Slovenian national football team has secured its place on the European football scene in a remarkable way. Slovenia is a small country with a relatively young football tradition, but has earned the respect of football fans across Europe. The Slovenian national team only took part in the European Championships once, but this was a significant milestone in their history.
Slovenia qualified for the European Championships for the first time in 2000, which took place in Belgium and the Netherlands. The qualification itself was a remarkable achievement as the team was little known at the time and had little experience at international level. Under the leadership of coach Srečko Katanec, the team showed a strong fighting spirit and performed surprisingly well in the qualification.
At Euro 2000, Slovenia failed to progress beyond the group stage, but the team left a lasting impression with their passionate play and moments of surprise. In the first group game against Yugoslavia, Slovenia achieved a remarkable 3-3 draw after a 3-0 lead. This moment remains one of the most memorable encounters in the history of Slovenian football.
The remaining group stage games against Spain and Norway ended in defeats, leading to Slovenia’s elimination from the tournament. However, participation in the 2000 European Championships was a historic moment for the country and a sign of Slovenia’s ability to compete at European level.
Since then, Slovenia tried again to qualify for the European Championships but was unsuccessful. The team has talented players like Jan Oblak, who is considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world. The challenge remains formidable, but the Slovenian national team is working to return to the European stage with new surprises. With a strong mentality and passionate fans, Slovenia hopes to shine again at the 2024 European Championships.