Kazakhstan 0-1 Slovenia Player Ratings as Mlakar’s stunner edges out the hosts

Slovenia bounced back from the Norway setback with a narrow 1-0 win over Kazakhstan in the UEFA Nations League’s League 3 Group B game. Both sides were coming on the back of a defeat and although Slovenia were considered the favourites, the hosts played a great first half, even coming close to scoring after Abat Aimbetov’s shot hit the top of the crossbar. Slovenia’s attacker were also kept at bay with the home side’s impressive defending However, Kazhak’s momentum took a hit after Jan Mlakar scored a belter of goal shortly after the break. Their efforts to salvage a draw also ended in vain as Slovenia held on to their lead and got away with a victory. The result takes Slovenia to the second of their group while Kazakhs remain at the bottom with no wins in 4 games.

Kazakhstan National Football Team Player Ratings vs Slovenia

Goalkeeper

Igor Shatsky: 7/10 – Shatsky put in an amazing shift between the sticks, producing as many as three saves in the first half itself. He denied Sesko twice with great reflexes and thwarted Cerin’s shot. However, Mlakar’s stunner took the gloss of his display.

Defenders

Yan Vorogovskiy: 6/10 – A good display from the left-back, who didn’t compromise in his attacking and defensive duties. Combined brilliantly with Islamkhan on the left flank.

Nuraly Alip: 7/10 – Alip made sure Kazakh’s defence was impregnable, producing a formidable performance. A great showcase of front-foot defending, reading the threats and snuffing it early. Won battles with his constant pressing and the ability to close the gap. He was aerially dominant and also his passing was immaculate

Aleksandr Marochkin: 7/10 – Marochkin was a monstrous presence in the defence, mopping up any possible threat posed by the visitors. Made a last-ditch clearance to prevent Sesko’s effort.

Aslan Darabayev: 7/10 – A great performance from the deep-lying midfielder irrespective of the result. Was a rock in the midfield, winning 5/5 ground duels and 2/2 tackles.

Marat Bystrov: 4/10 – Despite the evident efforts, such as his recovery runs, Bystrov was also often erratic.

Midfielders

Askhat Tagybergan: 5/10 – As good as his defensive actions were, the Kazhak skipper was inconsistent with his passing. Delivered 9 passes into the final third but his crosses were off the mark.

Bauyrzhan Islamkhan: 6/10 – Islamkhan proved to be a menace for Slovenia with his positioning in the pockets of space and manipulating the left half-space with some dangerous runs. Nearly provided an assist but Aimbetov’s shot hit the woodwork.

Attackers:

Bakhtiyar Zaynutdinov: 5/10 – Touted as the most important player for the home side but Zaynutdinov failed to create a desired impact.

Islam Chesnokov: 5/10 – Chesnokov created a lot of threat with his runs on the left flank but lacked the final ball.

Abat Aimbetov: 5/10 – Aimbetov fired in a brilliant effort from a difficult angle but it hit the top of the crossbar, much to his dismay.

Substitutes

Ashkat Balkabetov: N/A

Zhan-Ali Payruz: N/A

Lev Skvortsov:N/A

Aybar Zhaksylykov: N/A

Manager

Stanislav Cherchesov: 6/10 – The former Russian gaffer would be proud of his side’s performance despite the end result. The home side were on top until their momentum was disrupted by that stunning goal. Still reeling at the bottom, Kazhaks will look to replicate a similar kind of performance in the upcoming games.

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Slovenia National Football Team Player Ratings vs Kazakhstan

Goalkeeper

Jan Oblak: 6/10 – Another clean sheet to Slovenia’s captain, who was hardly called into action.

Defenders

Erik Janza: 7/10 – Janza proved to be a great threat on the left-hand side. Created a handful of chances, including a brilliant cross to Sesko, whose header was saved by Shatsky. Capped off a sublime performance with an assist to his name.

Jaka Bijol: 8/10 – A phenomenal display from the monster of a centre-back to ensure his side a clean sheet. Made 5 clearances, 3 recoveries and 1 interception.

Vanja Drkusic: 6/10 – A decent performance from Drkusic, clocking up a pass success percentage of 90 and 4 passes into the final third

Petar Stojanovic: 6/10 – A solid showing from the left-back, who managed 7 passes into the final third and created 1 big chance.

Midfielders

Timi Max Elsnik: 6/10 Slovenia’s midfield engine put in an all-round display. Threaded in a great through ball to Sesko, whose effort was cleared by Marochkin

Adam Gnezda Cerin: 6/10 Like his midfield partner Elsnik, Cerin showcased class with his playmaking and pulling strings in the middle of the park. Created 1 big chance and delivered as many as 6 passes into the final third.

Attackers

Jan Mlakar: 8/10 – Was largely quiet until before fired a belter of strike from outside the box to give Slovenia the breakthrough. Would be relieved to end his seven-match goal drought for his national team.

Josip Ilicic: 5/10 – It was visible his powers are waning and he is no longer the creative demon he once used to be. Nevertheless, tried to make things happen with some through balls here and there. Was also sloppy on possession.

Andraz Sporar: 4/10 -Failed to muster a shot on target and managed only one touch in the opposition box. Endured a frustrating evening.

Benjamin Sesko: 5/10 – The hat-trick hero in the reverse fixture but failed to find his name on the scoresheet today despite a bevvy of chances. Was denied by the post once and twice by the impressive keeping of Shatsky.

Substitutes

Kenan Bajric: N/A

Dejan Petrovic: N/A

Jasmin Kurtic: N/A

Zan Vipotnik: N/A

Manager

Matjaz Kek: 7/10 – Kek would be a happy man to see his side bounce back from the heavy loss against Norway. Despite the fine margin, Slovenia showed quality in both the defence and attack and moreover, the ability to get over the line.

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