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Journalism of Courage
A Slovenia team scarred by internal dissent will be seeking a touch of Irish magic when they face South Africa on Saturday in World Cup Group B without their most influential player.
Like the Irish, Slovenia have sacrificed a key man, Zlatko Zahovic, in a bid to preserve squad unity after a bitter row with the coach.
But whereas the Irish bust-up between coach Mick McCarthy and captain Roy Keane took place before the tournament and the team has gone on to record two battling draws, Slovenia only decided to expel Zahovic on Thursday after a week of bitter rows with coach Srecko Katanec since their 3-1 loss to Spain.
Whether they can regroup in time to match a fired-up South Africa remains to be seen.
