- Date: Monday, September 9, 2024
- Venue: Stadion Stožice, Ljubljana
- Fixture: Slovenia vs Kazakhstan, UEFA Nations League B, Group 3
Battle of the Underdogs
Get ready for a clash of rising football nations as Slovenia takes on Kazakhstan in what promises to be an intriguing UEFA Nations League encounter. Both teams will be eager to prove themselves on the international stage and secure valuable points in their quest for promotion to League A.
Slovenia, fresh off their impressive Euro 2024 campaign, will look to capitalize on home advantage and continue their upward trajectory. Led by the experienced Matjaž Kek, the Slovenian side boasts a mix of seasoned veterans and exciting young talents.
Kazakhstan, under the guidance of Magomed Adiyev, have shown remarkable improvement in recent years. The Blue and Yellows will be determined to make their mark in League B and showcase their growing footballing prowess.
Recent Head-to-Heads
The two nations have faced each other four times in the past, with Slovenia holding a slight edge:
- Slovenia 2-1 Kazakhstan (2019)
- Kazakhstan 0-2 Slovenia (2018)
- Slovenia 1-1 Kazakhstan (2016)
- Kazakhstan 0-3 Slovenia (2015)
Key Players
Slovenia:
- Jan Oblak: The Atlético Madrid shot-stopper is a world-class goalkeeper and a crucial last line of defense.
- Benjamin Šeško: The young RB Leipzig striker is a rising star with immense potential to trouble any defense.
Kazakhstan:
- Abat Aimbetov: The prolific forward has been in fine form for both club and country.
- Baktiyor Zainutdinov: The creative midfielder is the engine of the Kazakh attack.
Our Prediction
While Kazakhstan has shown improvement, Slovenia’s recent form and home advantage give them the edge. We predict a hard-fought 2-1 victory for Slovenia.