Second place suits Slovenia
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Article summary
Slovenia 3-0 Scotland The home side clinched a play-off place as Group 5 runners-up as Scotland's campaign ended disappointingly.
Article body
Slovenia booked their place in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship play-offs as a 3-0 victory against Scotland saw them clinch the runners-up slot in Group 5.
Deflected shot
Needing a win to keep Norway, Belarus and Moldova at bay, Branko Zupan's side took the lead after 35 minutes when Damir Hadzič's cross was deflected past Scotland goalkeeper Graeme Smith by team-mate Neil Collins. With Scotland eager to add some gloss to a disappointing campaign, Alexander Diamond then saw a point-blank header blocked before David Clarkson blazed a shot wide when well placed to score.
Stevanovič strikes
Rainer Bonhof's side were punished for their profligacy as Dalibor Stevanovič doubled the home side's lead just after the hour mark, and with the game slipping into added time, the same player scored his second of the night to compound Scotland's misery. Defeat sees them finish at the foot of the Group 5 table.