Win over Ghana boosts Slovenia
Slovenia will depart for Japan and their final preparations for their debut at the World Cup finals boosted by Friday's 2-0 win over Ghana in an international friendly, according to coach Srecko Katanec.
"A win is always welcome, especially after training hard as we have," Katanec said after the match. "I know that at the World Cup we will play much better, hopefully with some success.
"I believe we have done a lot so far and hope that over the next 14 days we will be refreshed. The players can't improve much further at this point.
"We have nothing to lose, even if we get beaten in the first-round matches, we have to play the best we can."
Katanec said Slovenia played well only in the first half on Friday and conceded that after the break the tough fitness training regime had taken its toll on the players.
Benfica midfielder Zlatko Zahovic put the home side ahead from a free-kick in 25th minute that completely fooled Ghana goalkeeper Richard Kingston as he dived the wrong way.
Slovenia dominated the first half but were unable to extend their lead until just before halftime, when Unterhaching midfielder Dzoni Novak scored after being set up by Lecce's Sebastjan Cimirotic.
"We did play a very good first half, but in the second our legs failed due to the training we've been going through in the last week," Novak said. "When we rest a little, we'll be much better."
In the second half Slovenia sat back and made sporadic attacks on the break, while the young Ghana team -- their oldest player was 24 -- tried hard but could not get past home side's resolute defence.
"We are preparing our team for the (next) World Cup, most of the players came from the under 21 team," said Ghana's caretaker coach Jabir Malik said after the match, which was also watched also by Milan Zivadinovic, who is set to take over as coach.
Slovenia have been drawn in group B at the World Cup finals and will face Spain in their match. They will also play South Africa and Paraguay in the first round, which starts on May 31. They leave for Japan over the weekend.
