Kuchen über die große Anerkennung für Slowenien: Diese Ehre wird nicht jedem zuteil

Matjaž Kek, former selector of the Slovenian national football team, expressed his approval of the appointment of Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić as head referee for the FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. The match, set to take place on Sunday at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, will see the two South American powerhouses compete for the prestigious title of world champion. Kek, who has been coaching the Croatian top-tier club Rijeka since the summer, praised the diversity of playing styles showcased during the tournament. He highlighted the unique qualities of both teams, noting that Spain’s well-structured approach combines technical precision with tactical discipline, while Argentina brings a fierce competitiveness and the ability to reverse game momentum even after a poor start. He emphasized that football's appeal lies precisely in these varied approaches to success. “Football is interesting because there are different ways to win,” he stated, adding that he does not agree with those who claim only one style of play is correct. Kek believes that the richness of diverse strategies contributes significantly to the sport’s enduring fascination. The former Slovenian national team coach, who led the squad during two distinct periods, first from 2007 to 2011, and later from 2018 to 2025—also noted that the World Cup provided an expected direction for modern football’s evolution. Despite missing some matches due to a busy schedule, he managed to watch all key games and observed the trends shaping contemporary soccer. Kek pointed out that while the tournament was anticipated to be heavily influenced by commercial interests and entertainment value, similar to American sports leagues such as the NBA or NFL, his focus remained on the action on the pitch. He criticized the inclusion of elements like brief cooling breaks during halves, which he argued served primarily commercial purposes rather than enhancing the sporting experience. In contrast, Kek acknowledged that the European perspective on football development, supported by UEFA president Alexander Ceferin, offers a more authentic view of the sport compared to its American counterpart. He described this European approach as closer to the true essence of football. Among the positive highlights of the tournament, Kek particularly appreciated the integration of young talents alongside seasoned veterans. He remarked that seeing both a 40-year-old player and a promising youth star make decisive contributions on the field demonstrated the breadth and depth of football talent. The appointment of Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić to oversee the final marked a notable achievement for Slovenian referees and the country’s judicial system. Kek called it an exceptional recognition for Vinčić and a rare opportunity for Slovenian officials. Such high-profile assignments are not common, making the selection a significant milestone for both the individual and the nation.