The USA meet Slovenia on June 18th in what could be a very crucial match. One of the players to watch out for: Milivoje Novakovic
At 6′ 4″ the FC Koln striker is a physically imposing striker with undoubted aerial abilities and for a man of his height, exceptionally quick with very good ball control. He is as tall as Peter Crouch with a bit more muscle and better skill.
Novakovic is also one of the better examples of a striker whose club record matches his international output. He has been a mainstay of FC Koln and his 2008 record of 20 goals propelled Christoph Daum’s team from the second tier to the Bundesliga 1. He followed that up with 16 goals in the top tier. Following these performances, he was given the sobriquet “Novagol” by adoring fans. Daum promoted him to the captaincy which he subsequently lost after a dispute with new coach Zvonimir Soldo.
2009 also proved productive internationally as Novakovic scored both goals in Slovenia’s critical win over Slovakia to keep up their World Cup qualifying momentum. In all he top scored with five goals in 12 qualifiers and proved to be a constant threat in the box as Robert Koren, Valter Birsa, Necj Pecnik, and Andraž Kirm provided him enough service.
Novakovic is somewhat of a late bloomer when it comes to scoring goals and at the age of 31 he might be approaching his peak just in time for the World Cup. Slovenia’s greatest moment came when they beat the heavily favoured Russians at Maribor in the playoffs to win a spot the 2010 World Cup. Novakovic along with captain Robert Koren, and goalkeeper Samir Handanovic provide the backbone to this Slovenian squad.
However, as the Slovenians themselves clearly point out, they stress their success to playing as a collective rather than on any individual. Which makes Novakovic all the more dangerous.
Novakovic stats: 37 caps/ 14 goals.
Novakovic scoring for Slovenia against Slovakia >>