Zahovic [R] Benfica Zahovic, just not performing the same way with Benfica like he does for the national team. Slovenia see path to Euro finals again LJUBLJANA, Sept 7 (Reuters) - Playoff specialists Slovenia believe they are in with a good chance of reaching their third successive major tournament. "Bojan Prasnikar takes the path of (Srecko) Katanec," ran a headline in the daily NeDelo on Sunday after Slovenia beat Israel 3-1 in the fight for second place in Euro 2004 qualifying Group One. Katanec steered Slovenia to the Euro 2000 tournament in Belgium and the Netherlands before taking them to the World Cup finals two years later in South Korea and Japan. ADVERTISEMENT In both cases, the Slovenians qualified through a playoff for qualifying group runners-up. Slovenia are second in a group dominated by defending champions France -- who have a maximum 18 points -- with 13 points from six matches and lead third-placed Israel by five points with two games to go. Should they beat either France on Wednesday or, more likely, Cyprus in October, they will secure a playoff berth along with the runners-up from the nine other groups. "Bojan Prasnikar is therefore completely on the path that Katanec set up before him," said NeDelo. Although their game was not sparkling, Slovenia had a lethal weapon in midfielder Zlatko Zahovic, who set up his side's three goals -- two from free kicks. Slovenia also managed to keep calm when tempers flared and Israel had two players sent off in the last five minutes. __________________
is questionable for the game with France this Wednesday, France leads the Group with 18 pts França, com 18 pontos, seguindo-se a Eslovénia com 13, Israel 8, Chipre 7 e Malta ainda sem pontuar.