Slovenia will be making their second appearance in the Euros with a challenging group in store. Serbia, last edition’s semifinalists Denmark and runners-up England are part of the pack giving Matjaž Kek’s team a lot to think of. Despite that, Slovenia is ready to throw up a strong battle with several top players in the final squad willing to showcase their class in the first major international tournament for them. The journey for the side in Germany begins on 16 June 2024.
History
Slovenia is participating in the Euro Championship for the second time in history. Their first appearance for them came in 2000 in a tournament jointly hosted by Belgium and Netherlands. The team failed to get out of the group stage with no wins but managed to draw with FR Yugoslavia in a three-goal thriller and goalless with Norway in between losing to Spain. Slovenia had to wait 24 years to enter into the finals again with the present set of talents.
Qualification to Euro 2024
Denmark was Slovenia’s opponent in the Euro qualifiers as well, finishing on the same points after 10 matches. However, Matjaž Kek’s side failed to win the group due to an inferior head-to-head record despite having a better goal difference. Nevertheless, finishing in the top two earned them a place in the group stage of the Euro 2024. The huge achievement was down to the team’s commitment as they lost just twice in two years and also defeated heavyweights Portugal without conceding in a friendly in March. Slovenia also collected a 2-1 win over Armenia before drawing 1-1 with Bulgaria in the pre-Euro friendly to maintain their six-game unbeaten run heading to Germany.
Slovenia squad for Euro 2024
Goalkeepers: Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid), Vid Belec (APOEL), Igor Vekić (Vejle)
Defenders: Žan Karničnik (Celje), Jure Balkovec (Alanyaspor), David Brekalo (Orlando City), Jaka Bijol (Udinese), Erik Janža (Górnik Zabrze), Petar Stojanović (Sampdoria), Vanja Drkušić (Sochi), Miha Blažič (Lech Poznań)
Midfielders: Jon Stanković (Sturm Graz), Benjamin Verbič (Panathinaikos), Sandi Lovrić (Udinese), Timi Max Elšnik (Olimpija Ljubljana), Jasmin Kurtić (Südtirol), Tomi Horvat (Sturm Graz), Adam Čerin (Panathinaikos), Nino Žugelj (Bodø/Glimt), Adrian Zeljković (Spartak Trnava)
Forwards: Andraž Šporar (Panathinaikos), Benjamin Šeško (RB Leipzig), Jan Mlakar (Pisa), Žan Vipotnik (Bordeaux), Žan Celar (Lugano), Josip Iličić (Maribor)
Captain: Jan Oblak
Manager: Matjaž Kek
Star Player: Jan Oblak
Slovenia’s attacking prowess lies with starlet Benjamin Sesko and old-head Josip Iličić to give them any chance in the tournament although their faith will hang around protecting their backs. Captain Jan Oblak is tasked with keeping his team in the game and the tournament being one of the best in his role. Slovenia will be tested repeatedly in a tough group so Atletico Madrid's number one will wish the best showing in his first major international tournament. The 31-year-old kept 13 clean sheets in La Liga and four in the Euro qualifiers with one each against USA and Portugal in friendlies, proving his class again ahead of Euro 2024.
Formation: How will Slovenia Lineup at Euro 2024?
Slovenia Fixtures for Euro 2024
Sunday, 16 June 2024
Slovenia vs Denmark - MHPArena, Stuttgart (21:30)
Thursday, 20 June 2024
Slovenia vs Serbia - Allianz Arena, Munich (18:30)
Wednesday, 26 June 2024
England vs Slovenia - RheinEnergieStadion, Koln (00:30)
