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Slovenia's goalkeeper Samir Handanovic (center L) fights with Russia'sAleksandr Anyukov - Source: Reuters -
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Slovenia beat Russia, who finished with nine men, 1-0 in the
second leg of their World Cup playoff on Thursday to clinch a place
in next year's finals.
Zlatko Dedic scored the only goal just before the break when he
stabbed in a Valter Birsa cross as Slovenia overcame a 2-1 deficit
from the first leg in Moscow to secure a ticket to South Africa on
away goals following a 2-2 aggregate draw.
The Slovenians, ranked 49th in the world, caused a major upset to
secure only their second appearance at soccer's greatest spectacle
after making their World Cup debut in 2002.
Russia had substitute Alexander Kerzhakov sent off in the 66th
minute following a violent clash with Slovenia keeper Samir
Handanovic and Yuri Zhirkov was also shown a red card in stoppage
time.
