Rakovic inspires Interblock victory

Captain Ermin Rakovic scored twice as FC Interblock put a terrible end-of-season run behind them to defeat NK Maribor 2-1 in Tuesday's Slovenian Cup final and secure a place in next season's UEFA Cup.

Final push
Dragan Skocic's side have collected just two points from their last six 1. Liga yet the coach roused his players for a final push. With the game serving as a qualifier for Europe, there were mistakes by both sides in the early stages in Celje. Rakovic settled Interblock nerves in the 31st minute, however, when scoring a delightful opener from the edge of the area.

First trophy
Maribor passed up two half-chances before Dejan Mezga teed up Marko Popovic whose 52nd-minute shot struck the post but found its way into the net via the back of goalkeeper Matjaz Rozman. Yet Interblock were not to be denied a first trophy in their history as Rakovic sealed the victory by lifting Enes Rujovic's assist over Marko Pridigar with nine minutes to play.