For the second time in history, but for the first time on the pitch: Slovenia U21 will play at the next European Championships, but what’s really in store for them there?
Photo: Global Game Media
When the match in Dunajskem Novem mestu ended, many people didn’t know what was going on. What does the draw between Austria and Slovenia (1:1) actually mean? Why is Slovenia celebrating, even though France can still overtake them? It’s true, there was quite a bit of uncertainty in the air. Many were confused. Rightfully so. The qualification system set by the European Football Association (UEFA) is what it is. It needs to be understood as well… But the final equation is crystal clear: no matter what else happens in the qualifications, Slovenia is already one of the three best second-placed teams at the 2025 European Championship! And this is, clearly, a historic success.
So far, they have managed to reach playoffs (even Samir Handanović couldn’t stop the Netherlands in 2005…), but never to the European Championship on the pitch. When they finally played in the latter in 2021, they got their spot in the tournament simply because they were co-hosts along with Hungary. Therefore, Slovenia recorded a historic achievement on Friday evening. Although this has not yet been fully confirmed on paper, there is no longer any doubt: regardless of everything, the Slovenian national team will definitely be among the three best second-placed teams. In no case will they have to go through additional qualifications. Slovenia is going to Slovakia!
Slovenia and a few more footballing giants…
But what awaits them there? Let’s start at the beginning. The European Championship for under-21 footballers will begin in Slovakia on June 12 next year. It will last for 17 days, and Slovakia will host matches in eight cities. The largest of them all stands in Bratislava, which is Tehelne pole, where Slovenian national player Kenan Bajrić earns his bread. Matches will also take place in Trnava, Dunajská Streda, Košice, Žilina, Trenčín, Nitra, and Prešov.
At the U21 Euro, 16 teams will participate, divided into four groups of four. The two best teams from each group will progress to the knockout stage. Slovakia naturally advanced to the final tournament without a fight. Certainly, the next European Championship for youth teams will also see participation from the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Germany, and Denmark, as well as – of course – Slovenia. So, giants. Except for the host, all the listed countries have already played in this year’s senior European Championship. Let anyone say something negative about Slovenian football…
This text was automatically translated using AI.
Author: editorial Football Planet