Scotland fell at the final hurdle as two set-piece goals ended their 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 en route to a win that would have guaranteed second spot in Group F and a two-legged decider next month. Howver, 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. Leigh Griffiths opens the scoring (c) Adam Davy/PA Wire/PA Images Scotland started at the Stozice Stadium in Ljubljana with two strikers with Chris Martin joining Griffiths up front as manager Gordon Strachan matched the hosts' 4-4-2 formation. James McArthur also came in after James Morrison suffered an injury in training on Saturday night with James Forrest dropping to the bench following Thursday's last-gasp win over Slovakia. Slovenia went into the game with very slim hopes of qualifying - they needed Malta to take a point from Slovakia as well as winning themselves - but they had not conceded a goal at home in the whole campaign. |
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