Koren gets Slovenia off and running

Robert Koren scored the only goal as Slovenia registered their first win in a major final tournament by defeating ten-man Algeria to go top of FIFA World Cup Group C.

Koren broke the deadlock in a cautious encounter with a 79th-minute shot which slipped through the grasp of goalkeeper Faouzi Chaouchi. That came six minutes after Algeria substitute Abdelkader Ghezzal received his second yellow card for bringing down a long ball into the area with his arm.

Slovenia lead the United States and England – who drew 1-1 on Saturday – by two points, but for long periods in Polokwane clear-cut chances were at a premium. The first, albeit from a set piece, arrived with three minutes played as Samir Handanovič tipped over Nadir Belhadj's free-kick.

Algeria continued to make most of the running but their attempts to fashion further efforts on goal were being undermined by a series of over-hit crosses. Opportunities were, however, more forthcoming as the half drew to a close, with Rafik Halliche heading Karim Ziani's corner narrowly wide and Karim Matmour then shooting high and wide from outside the penalty area.

Slovenia responded with Valter Birsa's curling effort from the edge of the area being tipped over by Chaouchi – their first meaningful effort on goal – while after the break Andraž Kirm had an angled shot saved. Ghezzal threatened with two headers prior to his dismissal, after which Slovenia presented their opponents with the clearest chance of the match.

Handanovič's pass to Marko Šuler on the edge of the area was intercepted by Ziani but the VfL Wolfsburg man's touch was too heavy and the keeper smothered. That proved decisive because at the other end Chaouchi misjudged the flight of Koren's dipping effort, leaving Slovenia in good shape ahead of their game against the USA on Friday, before England take on Algeria.