Euro 2016

[monks data]

European Championship | Qualifiers

Sep 8, 2015 at 7.45pm UK

Slovenia
1-0
Estonia

Beric (63')

FT(HT: 0-0)

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Football

Robert Beric nets winner as Slovenia edge Estonia

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter | 08 September 2015

Robert Beric's goal just after the hour proves the difference as Slovenia edge Estonia 1-0 in their Euro 2016 Group E qualifier in Maribor.

Robert Beric's second-half goal proved the difference as Slovenia edged Estonia 1-0 in their Euro 2016 Group E qualifier in Maribor this evening.

Jasmin Kurtic (R) of Slovenia vies with Estonia's Taijo Teniste (C) during the Euro 2016 qualifying football match between Slovenia and Estonia at the Ljudski Vrt stadium in Maribor, Slovenia on September 8, 2015 © Getty Images

The hosts dominated proceedings throughout most of the first half, with Kevin Kampl firing wide twice, but Estonia perked up before the break through chances from Konstantin Vassiljev and Taijo Teniste which were saved by Samir Handanovic.

It turned out to be a minor blip for Slovenia, who kicked into gear after the restart and pummelled Mihkel Aksalu's goalmouth with efforts from Branko Ilic, Valter Birsa and Kampl.

Srecko Katanec's charges soon edged into the lead, with Beric latching on to Birsa's through-ball and slotting into the bottom left corner just after the hour.

Though Estonia experienced another late surge and weighed in with a number of chances, most notably through Sander Puri and Teniste, the hosts were able to see the game out and clinch all three points.

The result sees Slovenia leapfrog Estonia into third place in Group E as the race for second and third remains highly contested after second-placed Switzerland's 2-0 defeat in England.