Slovenia shatter Scotland’s dream

AFP, LJUBLJANA: Scotland blew their last chance to remain in contention for a World Cup place as Slovenia hit back for a 2-2 draw that eliminated Gordon Strachan's side on Sunday.

Needing a victory to guarantee second place in Group F and a spot in the play-offs for the remaining World Cup berths, Scotland took the lead through Leigh Griffiths' first-half strike in Ljubljana.

But Roman Bezjak netted twice for Slovenia in the second half to leave Scotland on the brink.

Robert Snodgrass set up a dramatic finish with his late equaliser, yet despite a red card for Slovenia's Bostjan Cesar in stoppage-time, there was no miracle escape act for Scotland.

Strachan's men finished level on points with second-placed Slovakia, who won 3-0 against Malta to go above the Scots on goal difference.

Scotland are still waiting for a first major finals appearance since the 1998 World Cup in France.

Strachan refused to be drawn on talk that he should resign after Scotland's failure.

“At this moment, I am the last person thinking about that,” he said.

“I have got to look after the players. We are hurting, no one is hurting like the players.

“There shouldn't be any talk about what I'm thinking at this moment in time because I am just looking after them.

“I have never been in a dressing room as silent as that.”

Slovenia, who were also eliminated by the draw, had not conceded a goal at home in the entire campaign, but Celtic forward Griffiths ended that run in the 32nd minute.

Slovenia shatter Scotlands dream

AFP, LJUBLJANA: Scotland blew their last chance to remain in contention for a World Cup place as Slovenia hit back for a 2-2 draw that eliminated Gordon Strachans side on Sunday. Needing a victory to guarantee second place in Group F and a spot in the play-offs for the remaining World Cup berths, Scotland took the lead through Leigh Griffiths first-half strike in Ljubljana. But Roman Bezjak netted twice for Slovenia in the second half to leave Scotland on the brink. Robert Snodgrass set up a dramatic finish with his late equaliser, yet despite a red card for Slovenias Bostjan Cesar in stoppage-time, there was no miracle escape act for Scotland. Strachans men finished level on points with second-placed Slovakia, who won 3-0 against Malta to go above the Scots on goal difference. Scotland are still waiting for a first major finals appearance since the 1998 World Cup in France. Strachan refused to be drawn on talk that he should resign after Scotlands failure. At this moment, I am the last person thinking about that, he said. I have got to look after the players. We are hurting, no one is hurting like the players. There shouldnt be any talk about what Im thinking at this moment in time because I am just looking after them. I have never been in a dressing room as silent as that. Slovenia, who were also eliminated by the draw, had not conceded a goal at home in the entire campaign, but Celtic forward Griffiths ended that run in the 32nd minute.