The campaign for the World Cup in France was more disappointing, with Slovenia picking up just one point from eight games, including two defeats to local rivals Bosnia Herzegovina.
After a brief return of former coach Prasnikar, the role of managing the team was finally handed over to Katanec in autumn 1998.
His arrival at the helm sparked a change in fortunes for the team and Slovenia began an impressive run in the qualification series for Euro 2000.
The side lost just once on their travels and finished runners-up in group 2 before securing a place in Holland and Belgium with an epic 3-2 aggregate win against the Ukraine in the play-offs.
Slovenia, installed as 80-1 underdogs to become European champions, failed to get past the group stages in the tournament in 2000, but acquitted themselves well with a win, draw and a loss.
Two years later Slovenia are about to make their presence felt on the world stage as they take part in Korea/Japan 2002.
They may not be realistic title contenders, but none of their opponents will make the mistake of underestimating them.