Slovenia top Group 2 after Lithuania win

First-half goals from Robert Berić and Dejan Lazarevič gave Slovenia the ascendancy in UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying Group 2 as they completed the double over Lithuania.

Kevin Kampl scored the only goal when the sides met in Lithuania in June, but it was a smoother ride for Slovenia this time. There were early warning signs for the visitors as captain Rajko Rep, in the first minute, and Haris Vučkič both forced Emilijus Zubas into a good saves.

The breakthrough came on 23 minutes, when Kampl's low cross was turned in by Berić for his third goal in qualifying. The lead was doubled 14 minutes later as Vučkič's delivery afforded Lazarevič a simple finish. It was one-way traffic and there should have been more goals in the second half, Berić getting in the way of Vučkič's shot, but the three points were secure.

The win puts Slovenia three points above Sweden, who play the first of two games in hand against Malta on Tuesday, when Lithuania meet Ukraine.