The only country at this World Cup without a nickname featured in the 2002 event and also the Euro 2000 but the best they could manage was a couple of draws in the latter.
Coach Matjaz Kek would not commit to a prediction as he prepared his squad at a college in Johannesburg.
“We cannot boast of key players like some teams here,” said Kek. “Our star is the team. Teamwork is the factor on which I base my hopes for World Cup success.”
Meanwhile, Algeria have returned to the World Cup after a 24-year absence by edging record six-time African champions Egypt 1-0 in neutral Omdurman. Although Algeria did not get beyond the first round in 1982 despite defeating West Germany and Chile or in 1986 with much stronger squads, their coach Rabah Saadane remains hopeful.
“We’ll play each game like a cup final,” said Saadane. “We’re going to compensate for technical weaknesses with the desire we have always shown in our qualifying matches.”
Published in the Express Tribune, June 13th, 2010.
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