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Slovenia shock nine-man Russia to seal World Cup place
Nov 18, 2009, 20:56 GMT
Maribor, Slovenia - Slovenia stunned Russia 1-0 in a World Cup play-off Wednesday to book their place in next year's finals in South Africa.
Slovenia went into the clash in Maribor trailing 2-1 from the first leg in Moscow but never looked back after VfL Bochum striker Zlatko Dedic deftly steered a Valter Birsa pass beyond Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev a minute before the break.
The goal levelled the match at 2-2 on aggregate with Slovenia victorious on the away goals rule thanks to the late Nejc Pecnik goal in the first leg.
It was no more than Slovenia deserved as, earlier, Russia defender Sergei Ignashevich chested a ball onto his own post while Milivoje Novakovic missed a glorious opportunity, shooting straight at Akinfeev when unmarked in the area.
Russia's cause took a fatal blow on 65 minutes when Guus Hiddink's side were reduced to 10 men after substitute Alexander Kerzhakov received a straight red card for kicking out at Slovenia goalkeeper Samir Handanovic.
The visitors' misery was completed in injury time when Yury Zhirkov also received his marching orders for a second bookable offence.
The win means Slovenia will go into the 2010 finals draw, which takes place on December 4 in Cape Town.
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