Slovenia have successfully held Scotland to a 2-2 draw in Ljubljana’s Stadion Stožice.
The result is great news for Martin O’Neill’s men ahead of their clash against Wales tomorrow. Had Scotland won in Slovenia, Ireland would be relying on other unlikely results to go their way in order to qualify for the play-offs — now the mission is more straightforward, beat Wales and we’re there.
Things had looked a little ropey after Celtic forward Leigh Griffith’s opened the scoring in Slovenia — but Irish nerves were settled in the second-half when Roman Bezjak nodded in an equaliser from a free-kick.
Scotland’s World Cup dream was left in tatters just minutes later when Bezjak doubled his tally for the game and put Slovenia into the lead. Scotland failed to deal with another set-piece and the Wolfsburg striker slotted home.
A late-goal from Robert Snodgrass made things nervy for the Irish (of course), but Slovenia saw it out.
It is the second time in two campaigns that Scotland have imploded towards the end of their qualifying group, and the second time in two campaigns that it has happened for Ireland’s benefit.
Now the mission before the boys in green is simple(ish). Beat Wales and we’re into the play-offs. Even without Gareth Bale, Wales will present a formidable challenge — but at least we no longer need favours from elsewhere to help us get the job done.
Thanks Slovenia!
