Zahovic - sent home after bust-up. (Allsport)

By Martyn Ziegler, PA Chief Sports Reporter, Seoul

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Slovenia will be looking to the Republic of Ireland for inspiration when they cross swords with South Africa.

The decision to send home Zlatko Zahovic, their most famous player, after a row with coach Srecko Katanec has echoes of Roy Keane's stormy exit from the Ireland camp.

The Republic have secured two creditable draws against tough opposition despite the absence of their captain, and Slovenia need similar performances against South Africa in Daegu, Korea, and when they face Paraguay next week.

The bust-up came when Zahovic was substituted during the 3-1 defeat by Spain. As he walked off he hurled abuse at Katanec, and then continued the tirade in the dressing room after the final whistle.

Officials had to separate the pair as Zahovic screamed at his coach.

Katanec refused to answer questions about his striker at a news conference on Friday.

He said: "I was satisfied with the team's performance against Spain in many ways, although we lost 3-1. We played aggressively and generally defended well.

"We need to keep those good things against South Africa and do a bit more.

"We have real ambitions and if we can win the next two games - which I believe we can do - then we will qualify.

"Of course, the game will be more difficult in some ways because of reasons I am not going to go into again.

"South Africa are physically a strong team - and you saw against Paraguay they will not lie down even if they are behind.

"They are strong on both wings especially and like to play on the counter-attack, and we will need to be disciplined for the full 90 minutes."

Milenko Acimovic, the man whose appearance on the pitch against Spain in place of Zahovic caused such ructions, is likely to start but Slovenia's sweeper Marinko Galic will miss out after picking up a thigh strain.

South Africa coach Jomo Sono believes the soaring temperatures in Korea might aid his side.

Sono said: "We might have a little advantage as it can get hot in South Africa, but most of our team play in Europe now so they will not be used to it.

"We've watched a lot of tapes of the Slovenia team and we know what to expect. They are a very fit team and tackle very strongly."

Sono expects to field the same line-up as against Paraguay, and Manchester United winger Quinton Fortune, scorer of the late penalty which earned the South Africans a 2-2 draw, and Leeds' Lucas Radebe will start.

Radebe said: "I'm feeling good, feeling strong and we are feeling more confident now having earned a result against Paraguay."