Valter Birsa: Did we achieve enough in South Africa? We did not!

Valter Birsa, a prominent figure in Slovenian football, looks back at the national team's 2010 World Cup campaign in South Africa with a mix of pride and regret. At 23, Birsa was at the peak of his career, playing a crucial role in a team that, he believes, possessed sufficient quality to progress further in the tournament. "At that moment, we were truly excellent, I think we had enough quality to advance. We had the most important thing – a team that was connected. But we still didn't succeed," Birsa recalled.

He remembers the tournament fondly, noting that while Slovenia was considered an underdog in 2002, in South Africa, they were on the verge of a major upset and reaching the knockout stage. Under coach Matjaž Kek, the squad was filled with talented players, including captain and all-time top scorer Robert Koren, and Birsa himself, recognized as one of the best players in a very competitive team.

Sixteen years later, Birsa has transitioned from a player to a coach. He is currently serving as an assistant coach for the Slovenian U19 national team. Despite his past involvement with the national team, he plans to support Spain and young talent Lamine Yamal in the current World Cup.

Birsa's reflections highlight the fine margins in international football, where strong individual talent and team spirit are essential but not always enough to guarantee success. His perspective offers insight into the challenges and aspirations of a national team striving for recognition on the world stage.