As Slovenia and Cyprus prepare to meet for international friendly on Thursday evening, both teams dey use dis match to prepare for upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign. Di game go take place at Stadion Stozice for Ljubljana, and na first time both sides go play since March.
Slovenia no get good record for World Cup qualifying last year, as dem fail to win any match and finish third for Group B. Dem get four draws, two defeats, and only three goals. Dis results bring end to Matjaz Kek’s seven-year second spell as coach, wey include journey to Euro 2024 knockout rounds.
New boss Bostjan Cesar begin with tough trip to Hungary for March, but Slovenia still no fit win as dem lose 1-0. However, dem end dia first camp on positive note by beating Montenegro 3-2 for Podgorica, with Swansea City striker Zan Vipotnik scoring two goals.
Now, Slovenia dey prepare to face tough Nations League group wey include Scotland, North Macedonia, and Switzerland. Dem fit afford to experiment for two post-season friendlies before meeting World Cup-bound neighbours Croatia dis weekend. Dem go expect to beat Cyprus, wey dey ranked 68 places below dem by FIFA.
Cyprus never really compete to reach dia first major finals, as dem finish fourth for Group H of World Cup qualifying, nine points behind playoff spot. Di Mediterranean nation get only three wins from dia last 12 games across all competitions, with two coming against minnows San Marino. Di other success na against Moldova for March friendly, where Charalampos Charalampous score two goals for hosts for Nicosia.
Ranked 126th by FIFA, Cyprus fit use dis month camp to build momentum ahead of Nations League campaign wey go pit dem against Armenia, Latvia, and Montenegro. Head coach Akis Mantzios, wey sign fresh contract until 2029, dey continue to renew di national team with young players like 20-year-old Panagiotis Andreou.
For Slovenia, star striker Benjamin Sesko no go play again due to shin problem, as he miss March internationals too. For im absence, either Vipotnik or Andraz Sporar go lead di line; Vipotnik dey favourite after scoring 25 goals for Swansea last season. Experienced midfielders Timi Max Elsnik and Jon Gorenc Stankovic no dey called up, but Cesar select three uncapped players, most notably Club Brugge teenager Tian Nai Koren.
For Cyprus, leading active scorer Ioannis Pittas, wey dey near 30, still dey main man. Playmaker Grigoris Kastanos go feature alongside Charalampous for visitors midfield. Mantzios fit field fresh blood both for Thursday and Sunday friendly against Liechtenstein.
Slovenia possible starting lineup: Oblak; Brekalo, Bijol, Drkusic; Karnicnik, Lovric, Gnezda Cerin, Seslar, Verbic; Sporar, Vipotnik. Cyprus possible starting lineup: Michail; Shikkis, Sielis, Panagiotou, Correia; Loizou, P. Andreou, Charalampous, Kastanos; Kakoullis, Pittas.
Di combination of home advantage and more potent forwards go help Slovenia comfortably see off Cyprus. Even without Sesko, di hosts fit boast proven goalscorers up front, and dem still get point to prove after underwhelming attempt to reach World Cup.
