Kek described his team's second Group C match against the United States at Ellis Park tomorrow as a "huge challenge" but their victory over Algeria means they go into the match in pole position in the group and can assure themselves of a place in the knockout phase with another three points.

They will be underdogs against the Americans - a country with a population 150 times greater than the small Alpine nation - but they have form for seeing off world superpowers after dumping out Russia in the play-offs.

Kek was not keen to revisit that success today but admits the transformation in his team from June 2009 to now has been incredible.

"A year ago we were making preparations for playing San Marino, today we are thinking about the knockout stage in our second match," he said.

"A great step has been taken and our squad has achieved a great evolution. This is not the most important match in our history but it is important and it can establish Slovenia on the global map of football.

"I know we have the smallest population of all the teams in the World Cup but we have not come here to rest, we are active participants in this World Cup. A year back things were completely different."

Kek is full of respect for the USA side, and added: "America's quality is their collective approach and their physical and mental ability. They do have individuals who can play a pivotal role. Landon Donovan is just one of many high-quality players that the US have.

"We are looking forward to playing with an excellent competitor who last year had a lot of success (in reaching the Confederations Cup final in South Africa). The team is composed of excellent individuals and we are mindful that a daunting challenge lies ahead.

"But Slovenia has not come to the World Cup because of luck but because of our endeavours, and we should not stand in awe of anyone."

Aleksandar Radosavljevic and Andrej Komac are one yellow card away from being suspended for the final group match against England.

Inter Milan midfielder Rene Krhin has an ankle knock and defender Marko Suler, who has struggled with injuries throughout the season, has what Kek described as "a light difficulty" but he expects both to be available for selection against the US.