The hopes that Iceland had of a top two finish in the qualifying Group E of the World Cup has suffered a set back as they have faced a defeat at their home ground to the bottom placed team of Slovenia in Reykjavik.
The hopes that Iceland had of a top two finish in the qualifying Group E of the World Cup has suffered a set back as they have faced a defeat at their home ground to the bottom placed team of Slovenia in Reykjavik.
The home team would have gained victory in the first place and they were well on the verge of the same after the terrific goals by Alfred Finnbogason and Birkir Bjarnason and had a lead of 2-1 within the 26 minutes of the match. But it was unfortunate on Iceland’s part as Slovenia made it 2-2 soon after by Valter Birsa. The second half goals made by Rene Krhin and Bostjan Cesar made the Slovenian Soccer team to climb high on the ladders of standings.
Iceland had won the reverse fixture in Ljubljana by 2-1 in March but they had an idea that they will have to work even harder for the success against Slovenia after they were falling behind till the 11th minute of the match when Andraz Kirm struck a goal from the edge. This was retaliated by the home team by taking a lead within just four minutes with two goals. Bjarnason was leading the team in the 22nd minute. Slovenia was behind the target for hardly four minutes before they won their own penalty as Milivoje Novakovic was fouled by Aron Gunnarsson. Birsa took the advantage and slotted past Hannes Thor to bring down the score board to an equal level.
Kolbeinn Sigthorsson tried to put Iceland back to the leading position at the beginning of the second half but Slovenian players did not let this happen when as Cesar headed Birsa’s corner. Iceland tried a lot to fight back but Handanovic warded off Finnbogason’s move and eventually Slovenia made a lead with 4-2 and thus winning the match.