Watch out for Novakovič

Written by Kris Mole Monday, 07 June 2010 16:26

England World Cup Blog

I know I've said it time and time again, and I'm pretty sure I'm boring you all by now, but I want to reiterate my belief that Group C will be far from a stroll in the park for England and America (most people's favourites for an easy 1-2 finish in the group).

Slovenia are a much better side than I think a lot of people are giving them credit for, and on top of being a quality team, they also have a top-class player in the form of Milivoje Novakovič, who is coming into the tournament in great form. 

Earlier last week, the much-admired Serb team played a friendly against New Zealand, a game the Serbs were expected to pass with flying colours. They didn't, as the All-Whiters of New Zealand recorded a surprising 1-0 victory. 

And just a few days before that, the same New Zealand team had been expected to be trounced by Australia. They weren't, and in the end only lost to a late late Australian goal to put them down 2-1. 

So, the New Zealand team were proving to be a bit harder to beat than everyone expected, and would've traveled to Maribor in Slovenia on Friday full of confidence that they could take something from the game. On the other hand, the game was a potential embarrassment for Slovenia whose media and fans would've expected an easy win, but in reality could prove anything but.

Step up, Milivoje Novakovič. The Cologne striker first sent a beautiful free-kick from about 25 yards straight past Kiwi goalkeeper Mark Paston in the sixth minute, before adding to it with another sweet long-distance free-kick on the half hour mark.

As well as the two goals, he also contributed a lot to the all round team effort and looked every bit the leader and inspiration on the pitch. 

In between Novakovič's goals, New Zealand had equalised through a goal from Fallon that Slovene goalkeeper Handanovič will definitely feel he should've done better at keeping out. And then on the stroke of half-time Andraž Kirm made it 3-1.

Slovenia then took their foot off the gas and strolled through the second-half, showing those watching that they're more than a little handy and will cause teams problems at the World Cup if they're underestimated.

Verdict: I'm still backing Slovenia to get through the group ahead of the Americans.

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