Slovenian does a Namath, predicts win over U.S.

By Andrej Komac probably never has heard of Joe Namath, even though he sure can imitate the Jets' Hall of Fame quarterback. The Slovenia midfielder is so confident about the tiny country's chances against the United States in their World Cup matchJune 15, 2010

Friday that he guaranteed victory.

"We are going to win this match," Komac said after practice Tuesday.

Slovenia beat Algeria, 1-0, to claim its first World Cup victory and the top spot in Group C. Komac came on as a substitute. The United States and England have one point each after their 1-1 draw in Group C.

With a population of a little more than 2 million, Slovenia is the smallest nation in the World Cup. But its national team has upset bigger rivals before. It finished second in its qualifying group ahead of the Czech Republic and Poland, then stunned Russia in a two-match playoff.

"We took three points in the first game. No one looks at us as small anymore," Komac said. - AP