19.06.2010

Even before the match with the USA we had known we would be up against a strong fight for every inch of the pitch. There was much talk about how well prepared the Americans were. But we have proved we are prepared just as well, if not better. We played aggressively and we also proved that our quality was not only being fit, but also that we could be determined in attack. We kicked it off really well in the first half. On the outside it might have all seemed very simple, but on the pitch itself a real battle was going on. During the half-time break in the locker room we all agreed we mustn't slack off and that we would need to keep up the same rhythm. But our worst nightmare came true – the opposite team scored without our having put up much fight, which surprised as a bit. In spite of a slightly worse performance if compared with the first half, we did well on the pitch in the second half and managed to keep control of the match. The USA team failed to outplay us on any of the levels. They played forcedly and managed to score the second goal by playing long passes right in front of our goal. In key moments, we had a lapse of concentration. We also had difficulties communicating with one another because the cheering was so loud. But looking back on the whole match, we can be proud. Having been in the lead 2:0, we are somewhat disappointed with the draw, because we are a team of players who are striving for progress. We had come to the World Cup to achieve a good result. The Americans tried to get a good result by force, and by doing so and with a fair share of luck the managed. At the end of it all they can consider themselves lucky to have come out of the match with a draw. In the coming days we'll analyze the match in detail and in the match against England we'll try to improve some minor things that need making better. We'll try to stay focused to the best of our abilities throughout the 90 minutes.

Shortly before the end of the match, the USA team scored the third goal, but it was ruled out by the referee. I wasn't close enough to be able to say what exactly had happened. Everyone playing in the match knows the referee made decisions both in favour of our team as well as to the advantage of the USA team. The referee was close enough to see there had been a foul and his decision needs to be respected. During stoppage periods pulling and scuffling is not uncommon and the referee is the one to decide what to do about it. I'd like to point out the referee isn't to blame for anything, neither by our, nor by the American team. Another disputed moment was at the beginning of the match when Dempsey hit Ljubijankič with the elbow but wasn't shown a yellow card. The referee didn't affect the end result. We have proved we are a better team than the USA and we need to keep believing in this exceptional team spirit. We'll do anything for a favourable result against England.

We are looking forward to the match against England. We won't be calculating about possible outcomes. If our attitude was that a draw alone is enough, it would be better to go back home straight away. We're close-knit and self-confident enough to be looking forward to this match. Four points in two matches give us additional energy. We are confident and we believe in our goal. The message we'd like to send to Slovenia is that we have to keep on sticking together. As a small nation with a big heart we need to keep on breathing as one.

Unfortunately in the match against the USA Nejc Pečnik's ankle was injured very badly and the World Cup is therefore over for him. He will shortly be operated and all of the team members wish him good luck and to get well soon. We'll visit him in the hospital to wish him all the best.

In cooperation with the news publisher Dnevnik.