• marius
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After a somewhat successful spell at the World Cup, when they’ve lost the qualifier in the dyeing minutes of the last group game, Slovenia will start its Euro 2012 qualifying campaign at home, against Northern Ireland. After the World Cup, Slovenia played one friendly game against Australia, winning it 2-0 after enjoying near total domination. Coach Matjaz Kek has all his players at his disposal, only defender Marko Suler being doubtful due to an injury. Also, young starlet and Groningen’s sharpshooter Tim Matavz was called to the first squad to boost their attack.

An average side

Northern Ireland is a team which didn’t evolved too much in the last years, playing the same traditional kick and run from 30 years ago. They are a physical side, with a bunch of ambitious players who put a lot of effort during a game but they lack technical quality. Last month they’ve lost against Montenegro in a friendly game and Montenegro is quite similar to Slovenia in terms of football. Defender Craig Catchart from Blackpool , Corry Evans (Johnny Evans’s younger brother from MU) and Johnny Gorman are the fresh faces from the squad while George McCartney (Sunderland) and Niall McGinn from Celtic will miss the game due to injuries.

Home win

Those two teams also meet 2 years ago in the qualifiers for the WC, with both winning their home games. Slovenia has qualifying dreams but it will be hard in a group who also holds Italy and Serbia. That’s why they need to start in a positive manner and Northern Ireland looks like the best opponent for a perfect start. It won’t be easy for sure but I believe they will snatch the win in the end. Good luck!

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Prediction:

Tip: 1
Odd: 1.67
Bookie: Ladbrokes