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A goal by Robert Koren in 79th minute in a match between Slovenia and Algeria lifted Slovenia to a 1:0 (0:0) victory in Polokwane on Sunday. The win is Slovenia's first ever at a World Cup.

Koren's strike from 18th metres out snuck past Algerian keeper Faouzi Chaouchi in one of the few real chances for either team in a game of nerves.

The goal came six minutes after Algeria striker Abdelkader Ghezzal was shown his second yellow card for a hand ball and had to leave the game.

Chances were few on both sides since both teams having trouble controlling the ball on an extremely fast field.

Algeria seemed more at home with the warm and quick conditions on the field in the first half, controlling Slovenia in defence and using the wings to push the ball ahead.

Slovenia created its only chance in the first half through Valter Birsa, who seized on a rare moment when he was not flanked by Algerian defenders to blast a strike that forced Chaouchi to push it over the bar.

But Slovenia came out of the break looking more composed and controlled the ball better in midfield. With ball possession working in its favour, Slovenia soon started to create some dangerous plays.

Coach Matjaz Kek labelled it a "psychologically very difficult game," but he was pleased with the players' performance. "We made a few mistakes, but winning three points at the World Cup against anyone is a big deal."

The players see it as a major morale booster ahead of the match with the US on Friday.

The streets of Slovenian cities were deserted during the game, but after the final whistle football fans started pouring onto the streets to cheer with car horns an whistles.

The win will go down in Slovenia's history as its first in a World Cup, after it lost all three matches in its first appearance on football's biggest stage in Japan and South Korea in 2002.

It also gives Slovenia the lead in group C, after Saturday's 1:1 draw between England and the US.

Source: Government Communication Office

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