Slovenia vs Finland

Slovenia and Finland are set to trade tackles in a ‘make or break’ Euro 2024 qualifying Group H contest at the Stadion Stozice.

Slovenia got their quest to qualify for next summer’s tournament back on track with back-to-back victories over Group H whipping boys Northern Ireland and San Marino in September. Matjaz Kek’s side put four goals apiece past the two worst-performing nations in this section to regain confidence after going winless in two consecutive Euro 2024 qualifiers beforehand (D1, L1). More importantly, Slovenia’s recent form resurgence has propelled them to the top of Group H. However, there’s no room for complacency, with only one point separating the top four sides with four games left to go. Avenging a 2-0 defeat from the reverse fixture could be a qualifying-defining achievement for Slovenia as they bid to arrest a 24-year absence from major tournaments. But it’s worth noting they’ve won none of their three previous H2Hs (D1, L2).

An impressive H2H record bodes well for visiting Finland’s effort to return to winning ways after a heartbreaking 1-0 home defeat to Denmark last time out knocked them down from a four-match triumphant run in Euro 2024 qualifiers. Encouragingly for Markku Kanerva’s side, since a 3-1 loss in Denmark in their first Group H travel, they’ve won two straight qualifying games on foreign soil, toppling Kazakhstan and Northern Ireland via an identical 1-0 scoreline. Indeed, defensive solidity has been Finland’s trademark sign in recent years, as they’ve conceded 2+ goals on just two of their last 14 road trips. But it also means their uneventful frontline that has scored under 1.5 goals across their last six away games must step up to the plate.