On June 25, 1991, Slovenia decided to continue its path as an independent country, and 33 years later on the same date, it rejoiced like never before - on the very day of the statehood, it printed the most beautiful football page, the "dragons" "flew away" for the first time in history. to the second stage of one of the two biggest competitions.
With a heroic draw (0:0) against great England, Matjaž Kek's team reached the round of XNUMX of the European Championship in Germany.
- The best football gift for Slovenia's birthday - writes "Delo".
- All the best, Slovenia - is the cover of the Sports Daily "Ekipa".
CAKE AFTER THE DRAW: JUST LET THEM LAUGH
After the euphoria of 2000 and 2002, when this country, with Srećko Katanec on the bench and maestro Zlatko Zahovič, tied two appearances at major competitions (EP and WC), and then returned to the World Cup in 2010 under the command of today's coach, 14 years had to pass , for Kek to return, and for the "dragons" to finish among the best again.
A great expert, without a doubt a legend of Slovenia, not only "revived" Slovenia, but this summer in Germany he also took a step further, a step for history.
Although few believed in it when the December draw in Hamburg sent his selection to a group with England, Denmark and Serbia.
"It is possible that we were pushed further by the fact that individuals simply crossed us out. Maybe someone will remember what I said after the draw - just let them laugh", Kek told the press after the big battle with England in Cologne.
ENGLAND 14 YEARS LATER
Kek and Slovenia could have written history 14 years ago at the World Cup in South Africa, when they also played against England in the last round of the group stage. They were losing practically from the start of the match after Jermaine Defoe's goal, but they were in the round of 91 until the XNUMXst minute... And then a shock.
In the second match of the group, the United States defeated Algeria with a goal by Landon Donovan in stoppage time, overcame the "dragons" and sent them home.
The last minutes of the game could have been fatal for Keko and Slovenia after Luka Jović "stole" their victory in the second round, but this time his team lasted the last 90 minutes against "proud Albion".
- It's a sport - a few days ago we were afraid that everything was lost, but I think that overall in these three games - in a group that was not easy at all - we proved that we belong here, that we somehow belong here. It is also clear that we suffered in certain moments against England, but I think we did not allow too much to any of the opponents - Kek added.
THE BEGINNING OF A BEAUTIFUL AGE
No matter how the Slovenian story at the Euros ends, the summer in Germany will be remembered forever and probably herald some new big competitions.
- I think this is the beginning of a new and beautiful era for Slovenian football - Kek is clear.
Slovenia is among the 16 best in Europe, the country with a little more than two million inhabitants continues to amaze the world with its sporting achievements - after basketball, cycling and winter sports, it was the turn of football.
Bonus video:
