But if the Slovenians were at all times more or less equal opponent to the "azzurri"' a decade ago at the Petrol Arena, the situation at the Thursday match at the People's garden against Switzerland was far from the same. The statistical data spoke in favour of the guest team, but Katanec's boys approximately ten minutes before the end of the match managed to score, with the single shot directed into the goal, and celebrated the important achievement in the qualifications for Euro 2016.
He wishes for better physical condition
The selector Srečko Katanec was calm at the press conference after the match, and didn't "hide" behind the favourable result. He will be completely satisfied only when the play improves. "Well, a victory is a victory, regardless. But we need to play better. We can be better, and we know how. I wish we will manage to coordinate as soon as possible, and to win with by playing well. But Switzerland remains Switzerland, and to win against them you need a bit of luck, and a good goalkeeper - and there is no doubt we had one today!"For the first time after the victory at Cyprus in September last year Katanec started the match with two attackers. Zlatan Ljubijankić kept Milivoj Novaković company, but it turned out not to be the best move. Midfielders were in the draught all the time.
"I tried everything. I wanted to find a way to surprise Switzerland. Sometimes you get it right, sometimes you don't; sometimes you make the wrong choice of players, or substitutes. I agree that our play lacked balance in the first half, but part of the credit for that goes to Switzerland. But I didn't expect them to keep position on the court so well. I must admit I kept praying they wouldn't score in the first half already. I was also very lucky today," the Slovenian selector said.
Lazarević sometimes acts rashly
Dejan Lazarević, who substituted Valter Birsa in the 55th minute, brought new life to the game. He was the initiator of the action which resulted in penalty for the Slovenian team. "As I said before, sometimes you are lucky with substitutes, and sometimes not. "Laze" is much better this year than he was last year, it shows he plays more for Chievo. But he still has room for improvement. We all know his advantages, especially his speed. But the first part, when he starts sprinting, is all right, and then I would say he should be administered an aspirin or something, to calm down and start thinking. Sometimes he does certain things too fast," said Katanec about the 24-year-old Lazarević. Also the Swiss selector Vladimir Petković set out Lazarević as the player who caused the Swiss team the most troubles.
Novaković: Victory result of team play, and support from the fans
Lazarević prepared another opportunity for Novaković in the extension time, but Novaković failed and the score remained 1:0. "I think the ball was a bit too slow. If he had kicked it stronger, my reception would have been better, and I would have been able to shoot sooner. But we discussed it, and there are no grudges," was "Novagol’"s comment.
He entered his 26th score for the national team into statistics some ten minutes earlier, when he beat Yann Sommer from 11 metres. "It was a load off my mind. It is difficult to assume responsibility in such situations. I was determined, I had already made my mind where to shoot. I was extremely focused. I knew what a goal would bring to us. I was also aware of the pressure we were under. It was the answer to some of the criticism directed to us lately. We want to have peace in the national team, and we will fight for it. Thank God I scored."
The oldest player of the Slovenian national team, 35 years of age, didn't forget to share the credit for the success with his team colleagues. "Handanović saved us from falling behind, he is one of the most deserving for this victory. The victory of today is the result of team play, and the support from our fans. It seems there is a kind of positive energy in Maribor, and we are rewarded by it. We are all happy. We must enjoy this moment, and tomorrow we will start thinking about Lithuania."
