It’s broken bravehearts as Slovenia shatter Scotland’s dream

LJUBLJANA: Scotland blew their last chance to remain in contention for a World Cup place as Slovenia hit back for a 2-2 draw that eliminated Gordon Strachan’s side.

Needing a victory to guarantee second place in Group F and a spot in the playoffs for the remaining World Cup berths, Scotland took the lead through Leigh Griffiths’ first-half strike in Ljubljana on Sunday.

But Roman Bezjak netted twice for Slovenia in the second half to leave Scotland on the brink.

Robert Snodgrass set up a dramatic finish with his late equaliser, yet despite a red card for Slovenia’s Bostjan Cesar in stoppage-time, there was no miracle escape act for Scotland.

Strachan’s men finished level on points with second- placed Slovakia, who won 3-0 against Malta to go above the Scots on goal difference.

Scotland are still waiting for a first major Finals appearance since the 1998 World Cup in France.

Strachan refused to be drawn on talk that he should resign after Scotland’s failure.

“At this moment, I am the last person thinking about that,” he said.

“I have got to look after the players. We are hurting, no one is hurting like the players.

“There shouldn’t be any talk about what I’m thinking at this moment in time because I am just looking after them.

“I have never been in a dressing room as silent as that.”