World Cup 2010 We’re supporting Slovenia!!!!!!

Slovenia Official name: Republic of Slovenia Area: 20,273km Forest: 10,124km (Half county is forest) Shares borders with Austria, Italy, Hungary and Croatia. Has a coastline of 46.6km.

Slovenia Capital is Ljubliana Total population is 2,025,866 (as of July ‘07) Official language is Slovene Main religion is Roman Catholic

Slovenia Typical climate is Alpine, Continental and Mediterranean. Average temps July 21C – January -2C Currency is Euros (as of January 2007)

Slovenia Important National dates include 8 th February which is Preseren Day (Slovene Cultural Day) 25 th June which is Slovenia Day

Slovenia Slovenia is an excellent place for sports including skiing in the Alps, water sports, hiking and cycling. There are numerous clubs for parachuting, hand gliding, ballooning and flying centres.

Slovenia Slovenia has many health clubs as the country is well known for its thermal and mineral springs. The mineral springs are said to have healing properties which Europeans have benefitted from for more than 4 centuries!!

Slovenia There are three wine regions in the country. These are an excellent tourist attraction. Popular everyday cuisine includes cabbage, beans and potatoes. Every Slovenian region has its own type of bread. Potica is a cake roll filled with walnuts, poppy seeds, raisins, herbs, cottage cheese, honey or crackling. Mmmmmmmmmmm!!!

Slovenia Along the coastline there are many original fish dishes and delicacies made from local plants, vegetables and fruit (asparagus, artichokes and truffles).

Slovenia Slovenia has over 1,000 caves and pot holes. The famous Lipizzaner horses originate from Slovenia. They are high intelligence and kind temperament have proved they are excellent all round performers.

Slovenia Slovenia has been drawn in Group C for the World Cup in South Africa. Other teams in Group C include -Algeria -USA -England

Slovenia Slovenia’s first match is against Slovenia is against Algeria on 13 th June. Followed by USA on 18 th and of course England on 23 rd. To gain their place in the World Cup, Slovenia knocked out Poland, Czech Republic and Russia!

Slovenia This is only the second time they have qualified for the World Cup since their independence from Yugoslavia in Household names are few in this Slovenian side. The best known is Milivoje Novakovic who plays for Cologne.

Slovenia Other key players include goalkeeper Samir Handanovic and captain Robert Koren. “For a small country like ours, it’s an incredible achievement to qualify for a World Cup. Before this qualification series started, nobody was giving this young team a hope. But now, the players and the whole country are proud of our success. We want to show that, small as we are, we can compete with the best,” Milivoje Novakovic, Slovenia striker.