UEFA Nations League: Slovenia, Austria Look to Replicate Euro Form

Slovenia vs Austria

Slovenia and Austria, two teams that surprised fans and pundits alike during their Euro stints, are set to face each other at the Stozice Stadium on Saturday as the Nations League action ramps up.

Both sides enjoyed a relatively successful run in the Euros and are hoping that more of the same—if not better—will happen.

A large part of their successes are owed to Ralf Rangnick and Matjaz Kek—coaches who helped pave the way for these countries to be where they are now.

Rangnick led his squad to the top of the table against a tough draw, whilst Kek had his gritty Slovenian lads fight tooth and nail to secure a maiden knockout appearance in the tournament.

Slovenia finished third in their League B group last time around, having earned a promotion after topping their League C group back in 2020/21. Austria, on the other hand, were relegated from League A in 2022/23 as they finished bottom of their League A group.

Talking Points

What could’ve been for Slovenia

A man can dream. For Slovenia, the old adage rung true.

The squad that Matjaz Kek took will forever be known in the annals of Slovenian football as history makers and game changers. Despite failing to register a win in the Euro 2024’s group stages, Slovenia advanced to the knockout round—the first time they have done so in any major competition.

In their opening match, a 77^th-minute equaliser for Erik Janza salvaged a draw against Denmark. Then onto their Balkan brothers, where a first-ever win in the Euros—and a first win in a major competition since the 2010 World Cup—was almost within their reach.

Defender Zan Karnicnik scored in the 69^th minute, and Slovenia kept Serbia at bay up until the fourth minute of added time. Had the match ended then and there, then Slovenia could’ve finally basked in their sweet and hard-fought victory.

Coulda, woulda, shoulda. A corner was given to Serbia, and Luka Jovic headed it home, two minutes before the final whistle was blown.

They would remain solid, however, and held on against England in a 0-0 draw despite getting dominated in possession.

Against Portugal, Ronaldo and co. peppered Jan Oblak’s goal, but to no avail. The match ended goalless through 30 minutes of extra time, and an entire nation held their breath for a quarter-final berth.

To their dismay, Diogo Costa was immense in goal, saving all three penalties attempted, and Slovenia were knocked out of the tournament.

Rangnick had Austria firing on all cylinders

Despite being grouped with France, Poland, and the Netherlands, Austria were able to come out on top of their Euro 2024 group.

Sure, they had a talented crew with the likes of Marcel Sabitzer, Marko Arnautovic, Christoph Baumgartner and Konrad Laimer. But a skilled squad can only get you so far. Luckily for them, they had someone like Ralf Rangnick at the helm.

The German coach had Das Team play a vibrant and high-octane style of football that made Austria one of the most enjoyable teams in the tournament.

After a close 1-0 defeat against France, Austria would batter Poland (3-1) and edge the Netherlands (3-2) out en route to a second consecutive round of 16 appearance at the Euros.

They were eventually taken out by Turkey, but they can be very proud of what they achieved.

History

Slovenia and Austria have only played each other four times, with Austria winning three times whilst Slovenia won their first encounter back in 1997.

In their last three matches—all dating back to 2018/19—Austria have scored a total of five times, whilst Slovenia were unable to score in any of the games.

Betting Tip

The SBOTOP Nations League 2024 odds have Das Team as the favourites, whilst Slovenia are priced at 3.02. If you think the match will end with no winners, then the odds of a draw are at 3.07.

An alternate bet of total goals (0-1) that goes for 2.92 is also one that might entice you. Or maybe you think more goals will be scored, and for that matter, correctly guessing 2-3 goals is at 1.97.

Regardless, I still think Austria will take this one. Their players have more quality, and I expect Rangnick to outcoach Kek.

Anyhow, look out for Nations League 2024 highlights for this one; this match should be fun.

 

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