The following names have been dropped from the initial list of 28 players: Nejc Cehte, Urh Kastelic, Matic Verdinek, Vid Levc, Uroš Bundalo, Staš Skube and Blaž Janc.

Not long ago Luka Žvižej and Dragan Gajić bid farewell to the national team, while Miha Žvižej was already crossed out by coach Vujović at the European Championship in Poland.

The opponents are Spain, Sweden and Iran
The qualification matches for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro will be played between the 8th and 10th of April in Malmö, Sweden. Slovenia’s opponents will be Spain, Sweden and Iran. Only the first two teams in the group will travel to Brazil.

Stronger with Dolenc and Cehte
"I think our task in Sweden will be more difficult than what it was in Poland. We had an unlucky draw and we’ll have to play against the exceptionally strong Spain and the hosts of the qualification tournament Sweden. Our group is similar to what we had at this year’s European Championship in Poland, where we played against Spain, which played in the final in Krakow, and Sweden, which is also at the very top of international handball. Apart from that we also have a few factors going against our team, like for example the competition schedule. First we play against Spain, then against Sweden and at the end against Iran. However, we are all very motivated and determined to make it to the Olympic Games. I think that with a healthy Jure Dolenc and Klemen Cehte we are more dangerous than what we were in January. I’m convinced that our attack is more powerful and faster with Cehte and Dolenc than with Miklavčič and Mačkovšek, although I have no wish to lessen the role those players have. We will do everything we can to advance to Rio," said Vujović.

A. V.; translated by K. J.