Revolution defender Antonio Delamea will represent Slovenia in two World Cup qualifiers. Photo/Kari Heistad

World Cup hopes on the line as Slovenia play qualifiers against England, Scotland

Antonio Mlinar Delamea and the Slovenia national team will attempt to further their chances of attending next summer’s World Cup in Russia with a pair of qualifiers on October 5 and 8, but their likelihood of qualification looks grim.

The Slovenians play what will likely be their penultimate qualifier on Thursday against England at Wembley Stadium. Three days later, Slovenia host Scotland in Ljubljana.

No team from Slovenia’s qualification group – Group F – has secured a place in the World Cup yet. Mathematically, it’s wide open, with England leading the group on 20 points in front of Slovakia (15), Slovenia (14), Scotland (14), Lithuania (5), and Malta (0).

But England is expected to win Group F comfortably and book an automatic berth to Russia. A win against Slovenia on Thursday is all they need to get the job done.

The runner-up will then play a two-leg, home-and-away playoff with a runner-up from another group. The series winner advances to Russia.

There’s still all to play for the New England Revolution’s Delamea and the Slovenians, albeit with an uphill climb.

Slovenia have accrued an 0-4-1 record against England since their incorporation as a FIFA member in 1992 after gaining independence from Yugoslavia.

Yugoslavia fared slightly better against the English – going 5-4-5 from 1939 to 1989 – but they never won at Wembley, a holy grail of soccer stadia, with their best result being a 1-1 draw in an international friendly on October 11, 1972.

Barring any upsets, it’s England’s group to lose with Slovakia looking a safe bet to finish second.

Delemea has earned a call to every one of his national team’s matches since joining the Revolution last spring.

Slovenia are third in Group F.

Follow Julian Cardillo on Twitter @juliancardillo

Share and Enjoy !

Shares
Julian Cardillo

Recent Posts

Angel City upsets Orlando Pride, pulls even for final playoff spot

It had been a while since Angel City had tasted the fruits of victory. May…

1 hour ago

Sounders get by on penalties

Seattle Sounders FC 0-0 Club Puebla (Sounders advance 4-3 on penalties) SEATTLE, WA—Seattle Sounders FC…

1 day ago

Suarez penalty pair sends Herons to Leagues Cup semis

Inter Miami CF 2-1 Tigres UNL FORT LAUDERDALE, FL--A pair of penalty kicks from Luis…

1 day ago

Little Mountain’s journey ends against Aruba

Canada 1-6 Aruba WILLIAMSPORT, PA--The Little Mountain Little League of Vancouver's time at the Little…

1 day ago

Report: Teran heading to Brazil, Waterman heading to Fire

CHICAGO, IL--Chicago Fire FC appears to be making a change a center back. Joe Chatz…

2 days ago

A visit to first place San Diego F.C. will be another wholesome challenge

(6) Portland Timbers (10,9,7, 37 points) vs (1) San Diego FC (16,7,4, 52 points) Saturday,…

2 days ago