Miran Pavlin's equaliser for 1-1 against Ukraine in Kiev on 17 November 1999 must have been the most decisive goal in the brief history of Slovenia.

It assured the small Alpine republic sandwiched between the Alps and the Adria the long cherished passport for the finals of Euro 2000 and, at least for the time being, a place among the greatest in Europe.

Between January and December, Slovenia soared almost 40 rungs up the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking ladder and has now entered the top 50. Hitherto Slovenia has made a name for itself primarily through its winter sporting whiz kids (mainly on skis).

In football terms it used to be regarded rather as the weakest of the countries to have emerged from the multinational state of Yugoslavia but it has since overtaken Macedonia and Bosnia-Herzegovina and has now set its sights on Yugoslavia and Croatia (twice FIFA mover of the year)way out on the horizon.

The title "Best Mover of the Year" and the ticket to EURO 2000 are Slovenia's well-deserved rewards for a sparkling year with consistently convincing displays in decisive games. Only twice - against Greece and group leader Norway- did they suffer a thrashing but, under the guidance of former German league player Srecko Katanec, the team promptly put those defeats behind it and stifled them in the barrage perpertrated against the Ukraine.

The prize will be presented to the association at a gala ceremony in Brussels, Belgium (FIFA World Player) on 24 January 2000.

Slovenia's Record for 1999

The designation of the "Best Mover of the Year" is awarded by multiplying the total amount of points at the end of 1999 (x) by the number of points gained during the course of this year (y). The more points a team already has, the more difficult it is to gain points. The method of calculation takes this fact into account.

Best Movers in 1999(by confederation)