Slovenia makes its debut in the World Cup. It is a huge achievement for a small nation without any soccer culture.

Coach Katanec has done a fine job of moulding his squad into a fighting unit. However, most of his players play overseas, so the team will find it difficult to function like a well-oiled machine.

They run into formidable opposition in the form of Spain and Paraguay and lesser light, South Africa.

Defenders:
Spasoje Bulajic, Marinko Galic, Aleksander Knavs, Zeljko Milinovic, Goran Sankovic, Muamer Vugdalic.

Midfielders:
Milenko Acimovic, Ales Ceh, Nastja Ceh, Sasa Gajser, Amir Karic, Dzoni Novak, Miran Pavlin, Zoran Pavlovic, Rajko Tavcar, Zlatko Zahovic.

Forwards:
Sebastjan Cimerotic, Milan Osterc, Mladen Rudonja, Senad Tiganj.

June 12, 2002