Cimirotič makes welcome return

Sebastian Cimirotič has been recalled to the Slovenia squad for the UEFA EURO 2004™ Group 1 qualifier with Malta on 30 April.

Notable absentee
Cimirotič missed Slovenia’s 4-1 win against Cyprus earlier this month having undergone surgery to cure a tendon problem in his leg, and coach Bojan Prašnikar was pleased to welcome the US Lecce striker back into his squad for what he anticipates will be a stern test against Malta in Valletta.

'Tough opponents'
"Malta are tough opponents," he said. "They have given a hard time to all other competitors in the group - France, Israel and Cyprus - so we expect a difficult battle." However, Slovenia will be in confident mood ahead of the game, having already defeated Malta at home, recording a 3-0 win in Ljubljana last September.

Mixed results
Slovenia lie second in Group 1 with six points from three games, but are nine behind leaders France and only two ahead of third-placed Israel. The Slovenians began the qualifying campaign positively, but after opening with the win against Malta, they were defeated 5-0 in France in their second game. However, they moved up to second place after defeating Cyprus.

Slovenia squad
Dabanovic, Simeunovic, Bulajic, Cipot, Snofl, Vugdalic, Ceh, Gajser, Karic, Koren, Pavlin, Rudonja, Sukalo, Zahovic, Zlogar, Cimirotic, Kmetec, Rakovic, Siljak.