MARIBOR, November 19 (RIA Novosti) - Guus...
The second-leg match saw Russia, with star player Andrei Arshavin having a disappointing evening, reduced to nine men by the 90th minute as they threw men forward in an attempt to level the score on the night.
After losing 2-1 in Moscow in the first leg on Saturday, Slovenia knew that a 1-0 win would be enough to send them to their second ever finals on the away goals rule, and a 43rd minute goal from Zlatko Dedic gave them the result they needed.
The hosts started dangerously in the tiny Maribor stadium, Igor Akinfeev saving from point-blank range in the 2nd minute after Milivoje Novakovic was left with time and space in the penalty area.
Russia, watched by President Dmitry Medvedev, were unable to get into their rhythm, and almost fell behind when Sergei Ignashevich chested an Andraz Kirm cross onto his own post.
Slovenia continued to sweep forward, and in the 26th minute Akinfeev again saved Russia, holding on to another close-range Novakovic effort.