Robert Beric nets winner as Slovenia edge Estonia

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.

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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.