Slovenia have appeared in the finals of the FIFA World Cup on two occasions in 2002 and 2010. Prior to 1991 the country was part of Yugoslavia; see Yugoslavian national football team for records up to this point.
Contents
Slovenia at Japan/South Korea 2002
Slovenia qualified for their first World Cup in 2002 under the management of Srecko Katenec, but suffered a 3-1 defeat to Spain in their opening game. Katenec's decision to substitute midfielder Zlatko Zahovic led to an argument which saw Zahovic sent home from the tournament at Katenec announce his intention to resign as manager after the tournament. Slovenia lost their second game 1-0 to South Africa, leaving them unable to qualify from the group. The side's final game ended in a 3-1 defeat to Paraguay.
Slovenia at South Africa 2010
Slovenia were the smallest country to qualify for the 2010 World Cup. Under the management of Matjaz Kek, the side qualified for the tournament by winning a two-legged playoff against Russia despite having lost the first leg. Slovenia beat Algeria 1-0 in their opening game, and drew 2-2 with the USA having led 2-0. This meant that the side only needed to draw their final group game against England to reach the second round of the tournament. However, a 1-0 defeat to England, combined with a USA victory over Algeria, saw the side finish third in the group and fail to progress.