Slovenia got a vital confidence boost from the fourth place in the olympics. As one of the World Cup outsiders, the capacity squad got it going with a landslide victory over Cuba.
Borut Mackovsek and Klemen Ferlin had to abandon the premiere with minor injuries. There was plenty of options available when Uros Zorman released the force and turned up the heat in Arena Zagreb.
In a reserved start, Slovenia at least didn’t concede a goal until they controlled the game. The change of pace was evident between 7–4 and 16–4 on the board.
Blaz Janc applied creatitvity on the wing and Rok Ovnicek received full marks with three distance projectiles in the first half.
Cuba had no hope to come back with 18-9 at half-time, but the remaining group stage opponents provide a chance for the NorCa champion to reach the Main round.
Slovenia could save some energy and still push for a 20-goal lead. Aleks Vlah made the most of several breakthroughs and penalty attempts with eight goals overall and the leading team ruled completely until 41–19.
Slovenia–Cuba 41–19 (18–9)