Zlatko Zahovič

The outstanding figure in the Slovenian squad, Zlatko is a talented midfield playmaker, known for his accurate passing, effective runs and above all a fine goal-scoring record. Zlatko has experienced considerable success at club level, joining Partizan Belgrade in 1994 and featuring in the team that won the Yugoslavian title in 1992-93. He moved to Portugal and Vitoria Guimaraes in 1993 and stayed for three seasons before joining Porto in the 1996 close season. Here he won three successive championship medals before moving to Olympiakos in 1999, winning the Greek title in 1999-2000 before going on to gain a European Champions Cup runner-up medal with Valencia whom he joined in 2000. He joined Benfica in 2001 close season and is back to his best. He won his first international cap against November 1992 against Cyprus and established his status as a star with some fine performances in the 2000 European Championship finals when he scored three goals, including a double in the 3-3 draw with Yugoslavia.

A key member of the team, it was thought that he would have to perform well if Slovenia were to do well in their first World Cup. However, similar to Roy Keane, Zlatko was sent home from the Slovenia camp. He was banished following a dressing room bust-up with coach Srecko Katenec after he had been substituted in their opening game against Spain.