Our prediction for this Nations League match:
Slovenia
Match Time & Date:
09/09/2024
20:45
Prediction: 2-1
Kazakhstan
Having shared the spoils with Austria in their opener, Slovenia will look to return to winning ways when they take on Kazakhstan at Stadion Stozice on Monday. The ex-Yugoslav republic played an important role at the EURO 2024 and they have big ambitions for the UEFA Nations League as well. As Slovenia produced a fine display in the 1-1 draw with Austria, home win should be considered. There are no fresh injury worries in the home team ahead of the visit of Kazakhstan.
Meanwhile, the Kazakhs were more than fortunate not to suffer a loss to Norway in their opener as Erling Haaland and Co. had no fewer than 19 goal attempts. As Stanislav Cherchesov’s men are not regarded as good travellers, we are tempted to place our bets on Matjaz Kek’s troops. In their last meeting in a competitive match Slovenia defeated Kazakhstan 2-1.
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.
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