In the qualifying campaign for the World Cup Slovenia made a flat 4-4-2 their own. Even though the golden generation of Zlatko Zahovic played in a 3-4-1-2 formation, the current team has gelled well and is perfectly settled by now.
Both full-backs are attacking minded, but Miso Brecko is a much more astute crosser that Bojan Jokic and is also the regular corner taker.
The midfield shape can quickly change into a diamond formation with Robert Koren going forward and Aleksandar Radosavljevic covering. Valter Birsa plays as an inside forward on the right, he mainly crosses from deep with his left foot. On the left, Andraz Kirm takes people on for pace and tries to cross from the byline.
In attack, Zaltko Dedic does most of the running for Milivoje Novakovic and opens up space for Slovenia’s top scorer, who is more static, but much deadlier as well.
Possible alternations come in the shape of a tricky winger Sisic, who can influence a game with his tricks and technical ability. Zlatan Ljubijankic and Nejc Pecnik have also seen a lot of playing time lately, as the manager Matjaz Kek rarely leaves hard-working Dedic on the pitch for the whole 90 minutes.
Team – 4-4-2
Shandanovich; Brecko, Suler, Cesar, Jokic; Birsa, Radosavljevic, Koren, Kirm; Dedic, Novakovic.
