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Little Slovenia…Historic Qualification and Great Ambitions

Slovenia, ranked 57th in the world according to the FIFA rankings, was the lowest-ranked team that England had ever faced in their history in a major tournament (World Cup or European Championship) since the publication of this classification. However, this small and ambitious country has outdone itself. For the first time in their history, they have reached the round of 16 of the continental championship, which is hosted by Germany until July 14.

Many have praised the Slovenian achievement, as this team remained unbeaten, drawing all three of their matches in Group C against Denmark, Serbia, and England.

Slovenian national team coach Matjaž Kek surprised everyone with his statement, saying that luck was on their side and contributed to their historic qualification to the round of 16 of the European Cup after a goalless draw with England in the third and final round of Group C on Tuesday evening. Slovenia has drawn 83% of their matches in the European Cup (5/6), the highest percentage for any team in the history of the competition.

Of course, Kek’s men have not lost in nine matches and qualified for the round of 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams, failing to finish as group runners-up due to the fair play rule, with Denmark edging them out.

Kek said, “I did not expect us to qualify for the knockout stage. But we showed through our performance that we deserve to be here and qualify against one of the title contenders.”

England faced boos in Cologne, despite topping the group, after creating few chances, the most notable being in stoppage time when a shot by substitute Chelsea striker Cole Palmer was blocked by Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak.

Slovenia conceded a late goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time against Serbia (1-1), and Kek was grateful to avoid the same fate against England. He said, “It was the 90th minute when the English team had a great opportunity, but Jan didn’t have much work to do.” He added, “This was the kiss of fate, and we were lucky. The luck we lacked against Serbia was with us today.”

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