Stalemate in Slovakia

Slovakia 0-0 Slovenia
Slovakia played out a goalless draw against Slovenia in Bratislava as the central European rivals geared up for their FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures in the new year with determined, defensive displays in front of a crowd of 5,482.

Too tough
Slovakia, undefeated in Group 1 after wins against Luxembourg, Liechtenstein and Latvia as well as a creditable draw in Russia, were hoping for a morale-boosting victory ahead of their trip to Estonia on 26 March, but found Slovenia too tough to break down.

Belarus next
Slovenia shot to the top of Group 5 last month when Bostjan Cesar's solitary goal gave them a stunning victory against Italy. A 3-0 defeat in Norway brought them back down to earth and Italy now lead the pool but this gritty performance will stand Slovenia in good stead for their home game against Belarus on 30 March.