EURO 2024 – Slovenia among Europe's elite

In the company of the best in Europe

After 24 years, the Slovenian national football team has successfully navigated the qualifying rounds to become one of the 24 European teams competing in Germany for the title of Europe's best. This is a remarkable achievement for the green country in the very heart of Europe, which has previously only been represented at one European Football Championships and two World Cups. The football euphoria in Slovenia has intensified even more as Slovenian players have proved that they can compete with the best. For the first time in history, Slovenia managed to reach the round of 16, only to be beaten by Portugal on penalties. Nevertheless, the Slovenian national team impressed with their heartfelt play, as did their passionate fans, cheering their heroes in the stands.

The Slovenian national football team certainly left a good impression in Germany, attracting even more interest in Slovenia among the European public. Find out some interesting facts about the performances of Slovenian footballers, the fans and, in general, about a country that lives and breathes sport.

Slovenia competing at EURO 2024

The Slovenian national football team made a good impression at Euro 2024 in Germany, despite being knocked out in the round of 16. They advanced from Group C without a defeat.

• Slovenia vs Denmark 1:1
• Slovenia vs Serbia 1:1

• Slovenia vs England 0:0

The match against Portugal in the round of 16 was even right up until the penalty kicks. Regular time and extra time ended 0–0. The most memorable moment for football fans was when Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak made a superb defensive move, saving a penalty from star Cristiano Ronaldo. Slovenian footballers proved that they are not afraid of big names in a friendly match against Portugal before the championship, when they surprisingly beat the star team 2–0 in the packed Stožice Stadium.

Unfortunately, things didn't work out for Slovenia at EURO 24. Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa dashed Slovenia's dreams of progressing to the quarter-finals after saving three penalties in a shootout.

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Photo: NZS

Photo: NZS

Slovenia's EURO 2024 in numbers

Now even the birds seem to be chirping about football as the world's number one pastime! And the UEFA European Championship in Germany is no exception. With the Slovenian national team's reappearance at the Euros, interest in football in Slovenia has grown even more and turned into a real euphoria. After the Slovenian national football team's elimination in the round of 16 match, we are not only proud of our boys, but also proud of the numbers, which show that there is a great interest in both Slovenian football players and Slovenia. Here are some of the most noteworthy statistics.

Number of foreign media reports on the Portugal vs Slovenia match

505

Number of spectators in Frankfurt (eighth-final match):

47,000

Number of TV viewers of the Portugal vs Slovenia match (ARD):

12 million

Video content from the national team's reception on Feel Slovenia’s social media platforms:

more than 160,000 views

Number of interactions on Feel Slovenia's social media platforms Instagram and Facebook on the occasion of Slovenia's qualification for the round of 16 (Cologne):

more than 15,000

History of Slovenia's participation in football championships

Slovenia's international footballing fairytale began in 2000, when the Slovenian national team, led by coach Srečko Katanec, qualified for a major tournament for the first time in the country's history – the European Championship in the Netherlands and Belgium. Two years later, Slovenia's golden generation reached another milestone by qualifying for the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan. After a decade-long hiatus, the Slovenian team made a comeback at South Africa 2010, this time with coach Matjaž Kek at the helm. Under Kek's leadership, the young Slovenian national team set a new milestone in the history of Slovenian football, winning their final qualifying match against Kazakhstan in front of 16,400 fans at Ljubljana's Stožice Stadium last November and earning Slovenia a new place among Europe's footballing elite. The Slovenian national football team made a good impression at Euro 2024 in Germany, despite being knocked out in the round of 16. They advanced from Group C without a defeat.

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Photo: NZS

Feel Slovenia, embrace the love of life!

It's amazing how much such a small country has to offer. You're bound to meet hikers, cyclists and runners in Slovenia, because Slovenians are passionate about the great outdoors. Along the way, you'll find delicious local food and cosy places to stop and rest. And the beauty doesn't stop at the countryside – Slovenia’s towns and cities are steeped in history and culture, making every visit an enriching experience. Experience all that Slovenia has to offer and feel the vibrant spirit of this beautiful country!