Our prediction for this Nations League match:
Kazakhstan will try to recover from a massive 4-0 loss to Austria when they take on Slovenia in their fourth group game. The Kazakhs made a slow start to their UEFA Nations League campaign, with the team struggling to find the net and, as a result, the bookies see them as underdogs in Sunday’s clash. Both Samorodov and Orazov are pushing for a start as Stanislav Cherchesov should opt to make changes to the team that faced Austria.
Matjaz Kek’s men, on the other hand, aim to make amends for a 3-0 loss to Norway and they will not have a better chance than this to get back on course. Even though Benjamin Sesko failed to impress in the Ullevaal Stadion defeat, we predict that the towering Leipzig forward is going to prove a handful for the opposition back-line. There are no fresh injury worries in the away team.
Highlighted Player (Miha Zajc):
Born in Sempeter pri Gorici, Slovenia, Miha Zajc started his career in Interblock, recording only five appearances before moving to NK Olimpia on a loan deal. In season 2013/14, the attacking midfielder made 13 appearances in the Slovenian Prva Liga, netting 5 goas in the process.
After yet another loan deal, now with Celje, Miha Zajc moved to NK Olimpia on a permanent deal. The player can perform as an attacking midfielder and as a central midfielder. During his 81 appearances for NK Olimpia, Zajc scored 20 goals and recorded 12 assists, which was good enough for the Empoli officials to sign the 24-year-old for about €1.7 million.
In 2017/18, Zajc helped Empoli win Serie B with 8 goals and 14 assists. Thanks to his good performances, he made his debut for Slovenia national team in March 2016 and has played in 5 games so far, with one goal on his tally.
Highlighted Team (Kazakhstan):
Kazakhstan national team played their first international match on June 1, 1992 against Turkmenistan, with the team beating the Emeralds 1-0. The former Soviet republic have been competing on the international stage since 1991, when the country declared independence.
Kazakhstan have yet to book their place at major tournaments, but they have not been serving as a cannon fodder for top European national teams. The Kazakhs were part of Asian Football Confederation before joining UEFA in 2002. However, they could not enter UEFA Euro 2004 qualification as the draw had been made earlier. Kazakhstan national football team recorded their biggest win over Pakistan in June, 1997 and they suffered their biggest defeat in 2005, with the team losing to Turkey 6-0.
Kazakhstan wear sky-blue shirts and sky-blue shorts when playing at home, while their away colour is yellow. Astana Arena is considered Kazakhstan national football team’s home ground and the capacity of the stadium is 30.244. The venue was opened in July, 2009.