We spoke with the authority on South American football of a much better image the Slovenian national team presented in 2013, of the opponents waiting for Argentina at the World Championship, and of the Lionel Messi's injury which, in a way, means good news for Argentina.

Do you often watch matches of the Slovenian national team?
If only possible I watch the matches live. I managed to see all the matches in Stožice for this cycle of the qualifications for the World Championship in Brazil 2014.
What is your opinion of the Slovenian game since Srečko Katanec took over as selector?
Everything changed. It is a proof of the significance a selector has for a national team. Something similar happened in Brazil as well. Everybody gave up on Menezes, Scolari came, and now we are looking at a completely different story. Being a coach is not the same as being a selector.
Do you believe we could have won against Croatia in additional qualifications for WC, if we had placed ahead of Iceland, of course?
I don't know, but I am certain they would have offered a good resistance. After all, it would have been a derby of neighbours. In that period Slovenia played well, and placement in additional qualifications would have given them a great boost. It really is a pity Katanec didn't come earlier. He brought a change, and Slovenia was quite close.
Which of the Slovenian players are in your oppinion the hottest at this moment?
Kevin Kampl should be mentioned, and Valter Birsa still plays well in spite of his injuries. We must not omit the classical players as Handanović and Novaković.
Who will you root for at the Argentina - Slovenia friendly match? What kind of a match do you predict?
It will be a friendly match, so I will just enjoy the historic first meeting of the national team of my native country and of the country whose birth I witnessed. As the Argentinians will be completing their preparations, they most certainly won't play at their full strength, so it is difficult to guess the direction the match will take. But this match will be most certainly a unique opportunity for the promotion of the Slovenian football.
Are you satisfied with the competitors drawn for Argentina for the World Championship 2014?
The group is quite favourable, but that does not mean easy! Such a draw can be deceptive, as sometimes you let your mind wander into the eight finals, and get burned in the group stage.
Who will be the Argentina's most dangerous rival in the preliminary stage?
Bosnia could be dangerous, regardless of the friendly match recently played in the USA which Argentina won convincingly, even without Messi. Bosnia is a puzzle with very good players and could very well sour many lives. Nigeria most likely remains dangerous, although not as good as it used to be. Iran should not be underestimated.
Where do you expect the most extreme conditions?
Manaos, Recife, Fortaleza, and Bahia will be hot as hell. Those scheduled to play in Cuiabá close to the biggest swamp area in the world fear the most – it will be hot and humid. Of course, those who will play in Curitiba or Porto Alegre can expect to feel cold.
What is your opinion of delays in construction and the high cost of the championship?
It is a South American tradition – to linger, to wait till the deadline… It can be even likeable until death casualties occur; then the fun is over. Of course everything will be completed before the beginning of the championship, but the price will be too high. In 1950 the Maracana stadium was built in two years; when the championship started the smell of concrete could be still noticed.
Are you afraid the organisation of the championship might not be perfect?
The organisation most certainly won't be as in Germany, but that brings a special charm. The delay is not only at the construction of stadiums, but also at construction or renovation of airports, highways, hotels. The former president of Fifa Joao Havelange intended to demolish the Maracana stadium, because of poor connections, and poor results, and built another one at another location. Only one avenue led to the scene. I remember when I took a cab from Copacabana to Maracana in 2009, and the drive which usually lasted 20 minutes took one hour and a half. That is a real problem. In Rio there is the metro, but the centre of the city can be so tightly packed that you can't get out!
Presently Lionel Messi is injured. This might be good news for Argentina, in a manner?
I agree. This break will do him good. Two months of rest are just the thing! He will come back rested and full of energy and hopefully in top form for the World Championship.
Does Argentina have a backup plan in case Messi is not available, e.g. because of an injury, or a card?
Yes, but it would not be the same - the play depends largely on him. Messi's absence is felt.