Slovenia in confident mood
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Slovenia are growing in confidence at the World Cup having beaten Algeria and seen England and the United States take points off each other in the opening round of Group C matches.
Their 1-0 win over the Algerians on Sunday was their young nation's first World Cup victory. Their only previous appearance at the finals, in 2002, ended in three defeats.
"That means a lot to me and to everybody in the team," captain Robert Koren, who scored the goal, said after the match.
"For such a small country, to go to the World Cup is already a big achievement, but for us it's a big thing today because we got our first three points.
Koren, who has just helped his club West Bromwich Albion win promotion to the English Premier league, said he also took heart from Saturday's 1-1 draw between England and the United States, in which neither team looked outstanding.
"Both teams put a lot of energy into the game but there were a lot of mistakes from both teams too," he said. "We are really confident after these three points today and we will give them a good game."
First up are the Americans, in Johannesburg on June 18.
"Our minds are already on the U.S.," Koren said. "There is no time to celebrate too much."
The Slovenians will be hoping for at least a point from that match before they face England in what should be their most challenging game of the first round.
"England are a really strong team but you can be sure we will give them a good game and we are not afraid of them."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments