Scotland´s World Cup dream over after Slovenia stalemate

Two set-piece goals ended Scotland’s World Cup dream following a 2-2 draw in Slovenia after a Leigh Griffiths strike had put them 45 minutes from a play-off place.

Griffiths finished brilliantly in the 32nd minute to put Scotland on route to a victory that would have guaranteed second spot in Group F and a two-legged decider next month.

But Slovenia substitute Roman Bezjak twice took advantage of slack marking and Scotland could not find a winner after Robert Snodgrass levelled in the 88th minute, although the substitute came close in the dying seconds of stoppage time.

Slovakia’s 3-0 victory over Malta saw them jump into second spot in Group F on goal difference and extend Scotland’s absence from a major tournament beyond 20 years.

What they said

Scotland boss Gordon Strachan: “Genetically we are behind. In the last campaign we were the second smallest, apart from Spain. We had to pick a team to combat the height and strength at set-plays. Genetically we have to work at things, maybe we get big women and men together and see what we can do. But it is a problem for us because we have to fight harder for every ball and jump higher than anyone else. Nobody can tell me their technique, apart from one player, is better than any of ours. But physically we have a problem.” Slovenia coach Srecko Katanec: “I’d like to congratulate my boys. We were clearly the better team for the whole game.”

Tweet of the match

Star man – Josip Ilicic

Slovenia’s attacking midfielder produced a classy performance in Ljubljana and played a pivotal role in turning the game with a fabulous free-kick assist for Bezjak’s equaliser followed by a dangerous in-swinging corner which led to the hosts’ second.

Moment of the match

After half-time substitute Bezjak put Slovenia in front, Darren Fletcher was presented with an excellent opportunity to give Gordon Strachan’s men renewed hope of securing the victory they needed. However, the Stoke midfielder skewed his 78th-minute shot over the crossbar from around eight yards out, meaning substitute Snodgrass’ late goal was in vain.

Data point

Despite the result not being enough for a play-off spot, Scotland have now gone seven games unbeaten – winning four and drawing three – for the first time since April 1997.

Ratings

Scotland: Craig Gordon – 7, Kieran Tierney – 7, Andy Robertson – 7, Christophe Berra – 8, Charlie Mulgrew – 7, Barry Bannan – 6, James McArthur – 6, Darren Fletcher – 6, Matt Phillips – 6, Leigh Griffiths – 7, Chris Martin – 6. Substitutes: Ikechi Anya (for Martin, 53) – 6, Robert Snodgrass (for McArthur, 79) – 7, Steven Fletcher (for Tierney, 80) – 5.