Slovenia will launch their World Cup finals campaign in optimistic mood.

The Slovenians, who are based in Johannesburg, will face Algeria in Polokwane on Sunday, a day after Group C favourites England lock horns with the United States in Rustenburg.

They will do so determined to ensure their stay in South Africa is not a brief one.

Assistant coach Matjaz Kek Milan Miklavic told RTV Slovenia: "The team looks good, the team looks very good, as always.

"Can we expect a positive result? We are optimistic because the players in recent games have shown good results, so we need to be optimistic.

"For all the teams, the first game will be a very big opportunity.

"All teams are living in some uncertainty about what will happen, and that is the special charm of championships."

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