Slovenia have taken the lead in FIFA World Cup 2010 Group C after defeating Algeria this afternoon through an 79th minute goal from Koren.
As with the other Group C match, which took place last night, an important goal came from an important error – Algerian goalkeeper, Chaouchi, misjudged the flight of a weak effort low to his left and the ball bounced over his flailing arms into the bottom corner. It was a shot the goalkeeper would ordinarily have expected to deal with easily.
The goal came after Algeria were reduced to ten men for yellow cards in quick succession for Ghezzal, who was sent off after coming on as a 58th minute substitute.
The match had been a fairly dull affair even after Slovenia won a one man advantage, and looked to be heading towards a 0-0 draw when Koren’s speculative effort went in giving Slovenia an unlikely victory.
Both of these teams will have to perform significantly better against the USA and England if they are to stand any chance of qualifying from World Cup Group C: there was very little attacking creativity in evidence today, despite the fact that both of these teams had their best opportunity for three points in this opening match.
For a few days, at least, however, Slovenia lead Group C.
