Belarus leave it late
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Article summary
Slovenia 1-4 Belarus The visitors recover from falling behind to win with three goals in the final 20 minutes.
Article body
Late goals crucial
Slovenia, second this morning and aiming to reduce a ten-point gap to runaway leaders Italy, made a perfect start when 18-year-old Valter Birsa struck in the opening seconds. But Mikhail Afanasiev swiftly equalised, Siarhei Karnilenka gave Belarus the lead 20 minutes from the end and scored again in added time - after which Oleg Shkabara compounded Slovenian misery.
June rematch
Norway, who beat Moldova today, are now second on seven points with Belarus and Slovenia on six and five respectively - ahead of their return fixture on 3 June.