Slovenia coach urges critics to hold back

Jun 18, 2010 - 7:13 PM By JOHN PYE AP Sports Writer

JOHANNESBURG(AP) -- Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek could see the harsh criticism coming. So he asked the traveling Slovenian media to hold back - at least until he's had a chance to explain over a few drinks how his squad squandered a chance to secure a spot in the second round of the World Cup.

The Slovenes let a 2-0 halftime lead slip against the United States in their Group C match at Ellis Park on Friday, allowing the Americans to rally for a 2-2 draw.

Slovenia led the group after a 1-0 victory over Algeria, and a win over the United States would have given them a spot in the round of 16 with six points.

A last group match against England awaits.

While Kek's squad has been one of the surprise teams of the World Cup, the 2 million people in Slovenia have higher expectations.

"There's too much that wastes our energy and it's not related to the pitch," Kek said, directing a statement at the domestic media about criticism of his team. "I hope that your attitude might improve."

He said more criticism "might not have very positive repercussions.

"I hope that you take pride in the fact of how Slovenia has performed so far," Kek added through an interpreter. "Tomorrow, you're welcome to come with us and we'll have a beer ... we're doing our best."

Valter Birsa's stunning strike in the 13th minute and Zlatan Ljubijankic's goal on the counter-attack in the 42nd gave the Slovenes a seemingly comfortable cushion. But the Landon Donovan scored for the Americans in the 48th minute and Michael Bradley tied it in the 82nd against a tiring defense.

And not only did they blow two points in the standings, the Slovenes were lucky not to lose the match; the Americans had a goal disallowed in the 86th for a contentious foul on a free kick.

But Kek didn't criticize the call.

"I will not pass any judgments on refereeing. Decisions made by referees have been (made), but now I'm emotional," Kek said. "I don't think the referee had an impact on the final result."

Slovenia captain Robert Koren said he wasn't close enough when the foul was called in the penalty area to be sure what happened.

"The referee was up and down. He gave some easy free kicks against us, some easy free kicks for us," Koren said. "I think he was close enough to see. He felt that some of the USA players pushed our player and gave the foul.

"I think he whistled already before the player scored the goal."

Koren said he was disappointed at letting the lead go, but happy to have four points in the group and still to be in contention.

"Everyone expected USA would beat us. But again we showed good football today. Again, I think we deserved three points more than them," said Koren, who scored the only goal in Slovenia's opening win over Algeria. "We're full of confidence and we're looking forward to playing against England.

"Before we came to the World Cup, there was not many people who recognized Slovenia. Now they think about Slovenia more. We can show we're good enough to go through."