Slovenia 'spirit' sees off Switzerland

• Kevin Kampl says "fighting spirit" was key after Slovenia edge out Switzerland
• Milivoje Novakovič's 79th-minute penalty decisive in Maribor
• Slovenia coach Srečko Katanec hails "high-level" display of goalkeeper Samir Handanovič
• Haris Seferović points to Switzerland's inability to take their chances
• Next games: Lithuania v Slovenia (12 October), San Marino v Switzerland (14 October)

Kevin Kampl, Slovenia midfielder
It is really nice that we've won against a team like Switzerland. They are a great team, they play very well and their players are all at great clubs. It was very hard for us. In the first half we were only chasing the ball. We improved in the second half and we still had reserves of energy.

We have to be very happy with these three points. We've shown a fighting spirit and the crowd were behind us. We have to win now in Lithuania or this result will be meaningless.

Srečko Katanec, Slovenia coach
Of course we are happy with these three points. Congratulations to the boys. We knew that Switzerland are a very strong team, but we had a very high-level goalkeeper tonight. He saved us when it was most difficult.

I started with two forwards, as you saw in the first half – that turned out to be a wrong decision. With all three substitutions we caused problems for Switzerland. But of course we can play better than this. We have to be physically better in our next matches. Now we go to Lithuania for another three points.

Haris Seferović, Switzerland forward
We wanted the three points and honestly we were the better team. But Slovenia scored and we're going home empty-handed. We have had lots of chances but we didn't make the most of them. That was our biggest mistake. In the end we conceded a goal and that was that. We are not happy, but we have to move forward.

Vladimir Petković, Switzerland coach
The result does not reflect the real situation on the pitch, unfortunately. I am actually pleased with my players' showing. But if you don't score, you can't win. We missed many opportunities, hit the woodwork.

Passes need to be more precise, I told that to the players many times, but ... Everyone must take their share of responsibility. The result is negative but we don't have much time to recover.

We still have a lot of matches in this qualifying campaign and have every chance of coming back. It will not be easy, of course. I believe that this defeat will not have major consequences.