viernes, 2 de septiembre de 2011

Eurocopa Eslovenia 1 - 2 Estonia

Estonia produced a shock result to give them hope of pipping opponents Slovenia to second place in Euro 2012 qualifying Group C.

Konstantin Vassiljev's first-half penalty looked for a long time as though it would be enough to earn the visitors victory.

Tim Matavz, who had missed two good chances, eventually equalised in the 77th minute but parity lasted just three minutes before Ats Purje netted the winner.

After a quiet opening period, Vassiljev's free-kick led to a Martin Vunk shot which Bostjan Cesar blocked.

Valter Birsa tried his luck at the other end from Robert Koren's well-worked corner, but found Estonia defender Ragnar Klavan in his way.

Vassiljev's shot from an absurd distance sailed over the bar and Dmitri Kroglov was also off target from long range, but the breakthrough arrived in the 29th minute.

Home goalkeeper Samir Handanovic brought down Sergei Zenjov and was booked, and Vassiljev stepped up to slot away the penalty.

Matavz headed Birsa's cross over and Taavi Rahn blocked full-back Miso Brecko's drive, while Klavan shot over at the other end as the half came to a close.

FC Groningen target man Matavz was unusually wasteful in front of goal, heading over from inside the six-yard box once more two minutes after half-time, and then saw an effort saved by Sergei Pareiko.

Aleksandar Radosavljevic and Koren were off target before Dare Vrsic's drive was tipped around the post by Pareiko.

Handanovic had to make an excellent double save from Dmitri Kruglov's free-kick and Martin Vunk's follow-up.

But Zlatan Ljubijankic went close before Matavz equalised, turning home Ljubijankic's low cross.

Estonia restored their lead almost immediately, though, as Vassiljev set up Purje to finish right-footed.

Matavz's overhead kick was saved and Cesar headed Birsa's corner over, but Handanovic had to be alert to prevent the impressive Vassiljev killing the game off from 30 yards.

Birsa's stoppage-time volley flashed over, and with it went Slovenia's last chance.

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