Given the interest in Benjamin Sesko from Premier League clubs, the focus on Slovenia going into Euro 2024 centred on the striker.
In the space of two games, however, Slovenia have shown they are far from a one-man team.
Had it not been for Serbia forward Luka Jovic’s 95th-minute equaliser yesterday, then Slovenia would be through to the last-16 and Tuesday’s clash with England would be a fight to see who finishes top of Group C.
As it was, Sesko and his team-mates were denied a first-ever win at a Euros and had to settle for a 1-1 draw that felt undeserved on the balance of play.
“We’ve shown that we have a place here at the European Championship,” said Slovenia manager Matjaz Kek.
“Football can be cruel, but I believe karma will play its part for this team. We played a fair game in an atmosphere for the ages.”
Slovenia have been one of the surprise packages of this Euros, punching above their weight to remain undefeated.
The perfect delivery from Elsnik ⤴
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 20, 2024
A tap in for Zan Karnicnik ⚽️#Euro2024 | #SVNSRB pic.twitter.com/8QD4jrig8e
Sesko has shown glimpses of what made Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United so keen to sign him this summer, shooting on sight and being a handful for defenders.
Those around the 21-year-old, however, have been just as impressive, and Slovenia have shown they are a team that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Right-back Zan Karnicnik scored their goal yesterday, finishing off a flowing move, and he has caught the eye.
Fellow full-back Erik Janza scored in Slovenia’s opening game and, even if they start in a compact 4-4-2, they are happy to get forward.
Their defence has looked well drilled and physical — and England will have to work hard to break them down.
Jan Oblak made a number of fine saves yesterday, while the two centre-backs, Jaka Bijol and Vanja Drkusic, were more than happy to go toe to toe with Aleksandar Mitrovic and Dusan Vlahovic. They sum up Slovenia’s direct and physical approach.
England should have more than enough to overcome that, but Slovenia will clearly not go down without a fight.
