PREVIEW: All to play for in Maribor for Slovenia

Nov 16, 2009, 9:25 GMT

Maribor, Slovenia - A late away goal from Nejc Pecnik in Saturday's World Cup play-off clash with Russia means Slovenia head into Wednesday's return leg in Maribor still harbouring realistic hopes of making it to the 2010 finals in South Africa.

Two goals from Everton striker Diniyar Bilyaletdinov looked to have put Russia firmly in the driving seat for qualification in Moscow but substitute Pecnik's late header reduced the deficit to a more manageable 2-1 as well as giving Slovenia a vital away goal.

Indeed, Marko Suler almost equalized in added time but was thwarted by a superb save from Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev.

Although Russia remain favourites, Pecnik's late heroics mean if Slovenia win 1-0, they will qualify, while 2-1 would lead to extra- time.

Not surprisingly, confidence is high in Slovenia that qualification is now a realistic prospect.

'We must admit that Russia deserved the win, though we did not play too poorly,' team captain Robert Koren said. 'But we are strong at home and our stadium in Maribor is our stronghold.'

Guus Hiddink was naturally disappointed that his side conceded an away goal with just two minutes remaining and that earlier Bilyaletdinov and Tottenham Hotspur striker Roman Pavlyuchenko both missed chances to make it 3-0 and render the second leg a formality.

However the Dutchman, who is seeking to steer his fourth team to the World Cup, remains confident that Russia can make amends on Wednesday.

'It's always disappointing when you allow your rivals to score a goal at the very end but we can only blame only ourselves for it. We had plenty of chances to increase our lead but missed them, while Slovenia converted one of their rare chances into a goal,' he said.

'But I believe we will score in the away match and clinch a place in the World Cup finals.'

Russia midfielder Sergei Semak told RIA Novosti he has mixed feelings about Wednesday's game following his team's narrow win in Russia.

'On the one hand, I9m pleased we won, but on the other hand, the way the game ended doesn't leave you at ease in the run-up for the next match,' said the Rubin Kazan player.

Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek said while he was unhappy to have lost in Moscow, there was still life left in the tie.

'Despite my dissatisfaction with the result, it is better to be wounded than dead,' Kek said. 'I don't view the result as a complete defeat.'

Russia are looking to book their 10th World Cup appearance, including the days of the Soviet Union, while Slovenia's only previous outing came in 2002.