It was 24 summers ago that Slovenia took on their former compatriots of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia at Euro 2000 and took a shock 3-0 lead. If you’re going to make your debut on the world stage, sweeping aside a host of Serie A stars and your recent political masters is a pretty good intro.
But Savo Milosevic and co. hit back to draw 3-3 and Slovenia, a small nation independent from Belgrade since1991, had to settle for a point. A defeat to Spain and a goalless draw with Norway followed, and they haven’t graced the Euros since. A fractious World Cup appearance in 2002, one win and a draw in 2010, and that’s it in terms of major international tournament action.
Despite a spirited showing in a relatively easy Euro 2024 qualifying group, few in Ljubljana are expecting any surprises this time around. In the group stage, Slovenia face Denmark first, then Serbia, echoing Euro
