Slovenia captain Robert Koren believes that England's lackluster performances against the United States and Algeria have given his side confidence of a shock victory when the teams meet in their final World Cup group match on Wednesday.
Koren said Monday that his teammates were surprised by the low standard of England's performances so far, in both the 1-1 draw against the United States and the following 0-0 draw with Algeria.
England was expected to progress easily from Group C but is winless and tied on two points with the United States. Slovenia leads the standings with four points.
"We know that England is a very good team," Koren said. "They have brilliant players. But we will not be thinking much about England, we will concentrate on our team.
"I watched their games against the U.S. and Algeria and I saw good things and bad things. They didn't show the type of football we expect of them. It gives us some hope. But we will see on Wednesday."
Slovenia had a winning start after a dreadful mistake by Algeria goalkeeper Faouzi Chaouchi handed the team a 1-0 victory, the country's first ever at a World Cup.
But it then allowed the U.S. to fight back from two goals down to draw 2-2 on Friday to keep its qualifications chances alive.
The 29-year-old Koren said his team had come to South Africa with a target of reaching the second round.
"It's a great thing for our country to come here and do well," Koren said. "We are a team always want to do well. When we came here we wanted to get past the group stage.
"That was our goal and it's still the same."
Despite being the team from the smallest country at this World Cup, Slovenia has enjoyed good support during the tournament with sizable crowds even attending their training sessions.
Matjaz Kek, the Slovenia coach, said the team's performance was having a positive impact.
"Our whole nation is together following our success, it's a big thing back home" Kek said. "They are very proud of us and we want to continue making them proud."
Kek said he will relish coming up against England coach Fabio Capello, who he described as a "big gentleman."
Kek said: "I have so much respect for him as a coach."
