Scotland’s World Cup dream over after Slovenia stalemate
Slovakia’s 3-0 victory over Malta saw them take second spot in Group F on goal difference.
Two set-piece goals ended Scotland’s World Cup dream following a 2-2 draw in Slovenia after a Leigh Griffiths strike had put them 45 minutes from a play-off place.
Griffiths finished brilliantly in the 32nd minute to put Scotland on route to a victory that would have guaranteed second spot in Group F and a two-legged decider next month.
But Slovenia substitute Roman Bezjak twice took advantage of slack marking and Scotland could not find a winner after Robert Snodgrass levelled in the 88th minute, although the substitute came close in the dying seconds of stoppage time.
Slovakia’s 3-0 victory over Malta saw them jump into second spot in Group F on goal difference and extend Scotland’s absence from a major tournament beyond 20 years.
What they said
Tweet of the match
Star man – Josip Ilicic
Slovenia’s attacking midfielder produced a classy performance in Ljubljana and played a pivotal role in turning the game with a fabulous free-kick assist for Bezjak’s equaliser followed by a dangerous in-swinging corner which led to the hosts’ second.
Moment of the match
After half-time substitute Bezjak put Slovenia in front, Darren Fletcher was presented with an excellent opportunity to give Gordon Strachan’s men renewed hope of securing the victory they needed. However, the Stoke midfielder skewed his 78th-minute shot over the crossbar from around eight yards out, meaning substitute Snodgrass’ late goal was in vain.
Data point
Despite the result not being enough for a play-off spot, Scotland have now gone seven games unbeaten – winning four and drawing three – for the first time since April 1997.
