One of the final matches in Group F saw Slovenia played out a draw with Scotland at Stadion Stozice, according to the Guardian. Needing a win to move into the playoffs for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Scotland went in front when striker Leigh Griffiths struck home the opener in the thirty-second minute. Afterward, Slovenia responded with two goals from substitute Roman Bezjak in the fifty-second and seventy-second minutes respectively.
A few minutes into stoppage time, substitute Robert Snodgrass leveled up the scoreline for the visitors, and they eventually settled for a draw at full-time.
No doubt, the match outcome is a disappointing result for Gordon Strachan and his side as their hopes of playing in a first World Cup since France 1998 was ended by an agonizing draw. They were overtaken by Slovakia on goal difference. Scotland finished third with eighteen points, behind them is Slovenia with fifteen points. Here's a summary of the match.
Slovenia outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Jan Oblak (6.81). Defender - Aljaz Struna (6.29), Bostjan Cesar (5.28), Miha Mevlja (7.95), Bojan Jokic (7.22). Midfielder - Rajko Rotman (6.38), Jasmin Kurtic (7.40), Jan Repas (5.82), Josip Ilicic (8.22), Benjamin Verbic (7.68). Forward - Tim Matavz (6.21). Used substitutes - Nejc Skubic (6.41), Roman Bezjak (8.09), Amedej Vetrih (six points).
Team's strength and weakness: Srecko Katanec's side created opportunities through individual efforts and long passes. They were good at scoring but committed lots of individual stumbles.
Style of play: Slovenia played short and long passes with space. In addition, they favored long shot situations.
Scotland outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Craig Gordon (7.19).
Defender - Kieran Tierney (seven points), Charlie Mulgrew (six points), Christophe Berra (6.83), Andrew Robertson (6.33). Midfielder -
Matt Phillips (6.59), James McArthur (6.82), Darren Fletcher (7.37), Barry Bannan (seven points). Forward - Leigh Griffiths (seven points), Chris Martin (6.51). Used substitutes - Steven Fletcher (5.94), Robert Snodgrass (7.40), Ikechi Anya (6.32).
Team's strength and weakness: Scotland held more possession on Slovenia's half and went on to create goal scoring chances from set pieces and through balls. They were solid in front of goal.
Style of play: Gordon Strachan's men dominated possession, largely attacked through the middle, favored through balls and long thrusts.
Who's the Man of the Match?
Substitute Roman Bezjak was honored the Man of the Match. Bezjak came off the bench and scored twice that put the host in front until 88th minute when the goal difference was tied.
