The match in Malta could be a big moment for the veteran: If Jasmin Kurtić plays, he will catch up with Valter Birsa in 3rd place on the all-time list
Photo: Vid Ponikvar / Sportida
It was nearly 12 years ago when the then still very young Jasmin Kurtić made his debut in the national team jersey in a truly dreamlike manner. In May of that year, Slovenia played a friendly match in Kufstein, Austria, against Greece. The match was also marked by minor fan riots, but the climax undoubtedly came in the 87th minute, when Jasmin Kurtić capped his debut with a masterful free-kick goal, setting the final score at 1:1.
More than a decade later, Kufstein is more or less a forgotten memory in the history of the Slovenian national team, but Jasmin Kurtić is still a player who represents his country. And against Malta, the veteran from White Carniola Südtirol, who currently plays for the Italian second division club, could achieve a truly remarkable milestone: if Jasmin Kurtić plays, he will make his 90th appearance for Slovenia.
In doing so, Kurtić would catch up with Valter Birsa on the all-time list and climb to the third spot on the list of players with the most appearances for Slovenia. The most matches so far have been played by the current assistant coach Boštjan Cesar (102), followed by Bojan Jokić (100). Jasmin Kurtić will be chasing his 90th appearance in Malta, and whether it’s realistic for him to join the 100 club as only the third Slovene is, of course, too early to say…
This text was automatically translated using AI.
Author: editorial Football Planet
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