The UEFA Nations League 2024-2025 campaign continued with a highly anticipated clash between the Slovenia National Football Team and the Kazakhstan National Football Team. Taking place at the iconic Stadion Stožice in Ljubljana, this League B, Group B3 encounter promised to be a thrilling match, with both teams vying for a crucial win. Slovenia entered the match on the back of solid performances, while Kazakhstan looked to turn their fortunes around after a difficult start to the tournament.
Slovenia National Football Team and the Kazakhstan National Football Team Head-to-Head
Heading into this encounter, Slovenia had a dominant record over Kazakhstan. Out of their previous three meetings, Slovenia had won all three, scoring seven goals and conceding only two. Kazakhstan had yet to register a win against their European counterparts, making this a must-win for them to break the trend.
| Slovenia vs Kazakhstan Head-to-Head Record | Slovenia | Kazakhstan |
| Wins | 3 | 0 |
| Draws | 0 | 0 |
| Goals Scored | 7 | 2 |
Slovenia National Football Team and the Kazakhstan National Football Team Lineups and Substitutes
Slovenia (Coach: Matjaž Kek)
Formation: 4-3-3
Starting XI:
- Jan Oblak (GK) (C)
- Petar Stojanović
- Miha Blažič
- Jaka Bijol
- Gregor Sikošek
- Adam Gnezda Čerin
- Aljaž Struna
- Benjamin Verbič
- Andraž Šporar
- Benjamin Šeško
- Žan Celar
Substitutes:
- Vid Belec (GK)
- Žan Vipotnik
- Jan Mlakar
- Jasmin Kurtić
- David Brekalo
- Josip Iličić
- Žan Kolmančič
- Gregor Stanković
- Jure Balkovec
- Timi Max Elšnik
Kazakhstan (Coach: Stanislav Cherchesov)
Formation: 4-4-2
Starting XI:
- Igor Shatskiy (GK)
- Sergey Malyi
- Nuraly Alip
- Timur Dosmagambetov
- Elkhan Astanov
- Aslan Darabayev
- Ramazan Orazov
- Askhat Tagybergen (C)
- Islambek Kuat
- Aimar Zhaksylykov
- Maxim Samorodov
Substitutes:
- Abat Aimbetov
- Alibek Kassym
- Abat Beysebekov
- Lev Skvortsov
- Marat Bystrov
Slovenia National Football Team and the Kazakhstan National Football Team First Half Summary
Slovenia started the match with high intensity, quickly taking control of the game. The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Benjamin Šeško netted the opening goal with a clinical finish after a well-placed cross from Janža. Slovenia continued to press, and just five minutes later, Šeško struck again, doubling Slovenia’s lead with a powerful shot from outside the box. Kazakhstan struggled to create meaningful chances, and Slovenia’s defense, led by captain Jan Oblak, kept them at bay.
The first half ended with Slovenia in a comfortable 2-0 lead, leaving Kazakhstan with a mountain to climb in the second half.
Half-Time Score:
Slovenia 2-0 Kazakhstan
Goals:
- 23′ Benjamin Šeško
- 28′ Benjamin Šeško
Slovenia National Football Team and the Kazakhstan National Football Team Second Half Summary
The second half followed the same pattern, with Slovenia maintaining dominance. Kazakhstan made a couple of tactical changes, bringing in fresh legs in hopes of making an impact. However, Slovenia continued to control possession and created more goal-scoring opportunities. In the 63rd minute, Benjamin Šeško completed his hat-trick, putting Slovenia 3-0 ahead with a header from a free-kick delivered by Janža.
Despite Kazakhstan’s efforts to fight back, they couldn’t find the back of the net, with Oblak making some crucial saves. Slovenia saw out the rest of the game comfortably, ensuring a well-earned 3-0 victory.
Full-Time Score:
Slovenia 3-0 Kazakhstan
Goals:
- 23′ Benjamin Šeško
- 28′ Benjamin Šeško
- 63′ Benjamin Šeško
Slovenia National Football Team and the Kazakhstan National Football Team Stats
| Slovenia vs Kazakhstan Stats | Slovenia | Kazakhstan |
| Possession (%) | 57 | 43 |
| Total Attempts | 16 | 7 |
| Shots on Target | 9 | 3 |
| Corners | 7 | 2 |
| Fouls | 15 | 18 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 2 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Offsides | 3 | 1 |
Slovenia National Football Team and the Kazakhstan National Football Team Timeline
- 2’: Slovenia started the match strong with early possession, forcing Kazakhstan to defend deep.
- 23’: Goal! Benjamin Šeško scores the opener for Slovenia, finishing a cross from Janža. (Slovenia 1-0 Kazakhstan)
- 28’: Goal! Šeško strikes again, this time with a stunning effort from outside the box. (Slovenia 2-0 Kazakhstan)
- 35’: Kazakhstan’s Malyi receives a yellow card for a foul on Šeško.
- 37’: Slovenia’s Celar is booked for a foul on Malyi.
- 63’: Goal! Benjamin Šeško completes his hat-trick with a header from a free-kick. (Slovenia 3-0 Kazakhstan)
- 87’: Slovenia makes defensive substitutions, bringing on Balkovec and Brekalo to see out the match.
- 90’+3: The referee blows the final whistle, sealing Slovenia’s dominant win.
Slovenia National Football Team and the Kazakhstan National Football Team Impact on the Points Table
This comprehensive 3-0 win solidifies Slovenia’s position in the UEFA Nations League 2024-2025 League B, Group B3. With three points secured, Slovenia now sits comfortably at the top of the group. Kazakhstan, on the other hand, remains at the bottom, struggling to gain momentum in the tournament.
Slovenia National Football Team and the Kazakhstan National Football Team Man of the Match
Unsurprisingly, Benjamin Šeško was awarded the Man of the Match for his outstanding hat-trick performance. His ability to consistently find space and convert chances made all the difference for Slovenia in this match.
Slovenia’s 3-0 triumph over Kazakhstan in the UEFA Nations League 2024-2025 was a display of dominance and clinical finishing. Benjamin Šeško’s hat-trick proved to be the difference as Slovenia cruised to victory. Kazakhstan, despite their best efforts, struggled to break down Slovenia’s defense and will need to regroup for their next fixture. This result boosts Slovenia’s chances of advancing from League B, Group B3, while Kazakhstan must work hard to avoid being left behind.
