Knavs out for Slovenian success

By Martin Pavčnik

Aleksander Knavs was a rock at the heart of the Slovenian defence as they carved out a 1-1 draw against Croatia in Saturday's UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying play-off.

Tremendous test
Looking to stay on level terms for the second leg on Wednesday, the visitors held firm against a Croatian side desperate to make home advantage tell in Zagreb. Knavs, who marshalled the Slovenian back line alongside Fabijan Cipot, admitted to uefa.com that it had been a tremendous test.

'Hard game'
"It was a hard game, no doubt," he said. "It is a great base for the second leg, but that is all. Anything is possible. I hope Slovenia will get through, but to achieve that we will have to add some firepower."

'Really relaxed'
The 1. FC Kaiserslautern defender will have another key role to perform in the return match in Ljubljana. Nerves, though, will not play a part according to Knavs. "We are really relaxed," he said. "In our minds we are going back over the game in Zagreb. We will try to find a way to avoid mistakes. Every player has to focus on his role and give his maximum on the field."

Dead ball danger
However, the 27-year-old singled out set-pieces as area from which Croatia could profit. "The Croatians are taller than we are, so we have to take care in those situations," he said. "We have to deny them chances from high balls." He was less worried about the recent rain in Slovenia affecting the Central stadium pitch. "It will be hard to play, but it is the same for both teams. This will not be the decisive factor."

No pressure
With a population of around two million, Slovenia were the smallest country at the 2002 FIFA World Cup - a status they also have in these play-offs. This could work in their favour. Asked if the team were under pressure from fans or the media, Knavs said: "Slovenia is too small for that. We are able to prepare for big matches without feeling any pressure. I don't think the Croatians could say the same. Croatia have a lot of good players, but also more pressure."

'Special match'
Like several of his colleagues, Knavs played at both UEFA EURO 2000™ and the Korea/Japan World Cup. They reached both those tournaments via play-offs, and are taking their inspiration from those victories - but are not resting on their laurels. "It is nice to remember those times," he said. "But you have to know that we see every qualification round and even every match as being special. That means we are thinking only of Croatia."