Kazakhstan vs Slovenia Preview 23/03/2023

Kazakhstan vs Slovenia – 23/03/2023

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Qualification for the 2024 European Championship begins this week and on the 23rd of March we have a meeting between Kazakhstan and Slovenia.

This is a match in Group H and the game will take place at the Astana Arena. Denmark, Northern Ireland, Finland, and San Marino make up the group.

Kazakhstan come into the match having last played in a friendly game back in November 2022. They lost 2-1 against United Arab Emirates and having scored an equaliser in the 62nd minute, Kazakhstan conceded the deciding goal 9 minutes later.

Kazakhstan also had a player sent off in the 79th minute, which ended any hope of getting back in the game.

That defeat means Kazakhstan have lost each of their last 3 fixtures. In addition to friendly defeats against United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan lost 3-0 at Azerbaijan in the Nations League.

That was a disappointing result having previously beat Slovakia and Belarus 2-1 at home in the same competition.

In terms of European Championship qualifying, Kazakhstan have a poor recent record which has seen them lose 4 of their last 5 matches. There have been defeats at home against Cyprus and Belgium plus away to Russia and Scotland.

Home form in European Championship qualification shows Kazakhstan have lost 3 of their last 4 games on home soil and they have recorded just 2 wins from their last 11 home European qualifying matches.

Slovenia travel to Astana on the back of a 1-0 home friendly victory over Montenegro in November 2022. The only goal of the match was scored in the 42nd minute and it was the second victory in succession for Slovenia having previously beat Romania 2-1 away in a friendly.

Slovenia scored both goals in the first half and held out for the win having conceded in the 63rd minute.

Slovenia are on a 6 match unbeaten run in all competitions. In addition to the friendly wins over Montenegro and Romania, Slovenia have beat Norway 2-1 at home in the Nations League.

There have also been draws in the Nations League at Sweden and Norway plus at home with Serbia.

Trends show Slovenia have won only 1 of their 4 most recent European Championship qualifying fixtures. However, they are undefeated in 7 of their last 8 away games, including friendlies.

Team news and Kazakhstan have several players from Astana and Tobol in their team, including Abzal Beysebekov, Islambek Kuat, Serhiy Malyi, Askhat Tagybergen, and Abat Aymbetov.

Slovenia can call upon exciting young striker Benjamin Šeško and include the experienced Greek based duo of Jasmin Kurtić and Benjamin Verbič in midfield. Jan Oblak of Atletico Madrid will captain the team.

Winning home matches is important when attempting to qualify for a major tournament and this could be a disappointing start for Kazakhstan.

Slovenia have some talented players in their squad and could come away with a comfortable victory to kick-start their qualifying campaign.