Matavz hat trick earns Slovenia the win

Matavz hat trick earns Slovenia the win

Published Oct. 8, 2010 10:47 p.m. ET

Tim Matavz scored a hat-trick Friday to help Slovenia to a 5-1 win over the Faeroe Islands in a 2012 European Championship qualifier.

Milivoje Novakovic added the fourth from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute and substitute Zlatko Dedic added the fifth in the 84th.

Faeroe Islands substitute Christian Mouritsen scored a consolation goal for the visitors in stoppage time.

The win gives Slovenia four points from three games in Group C, while Faeroe Islands has none after four losses.

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It was Slovenia's first victory in qualifying after the home loss to Northern Island and a draw with Serbia in September.

Matavz headed his and Slovenian's first goal in the 25th minute, from a pass by Miso Brecko, and made it two 11 minutes later with a long-distance shot.

Robert Koren hit the post a minute later and Brecko wasted another good effort before halftime.

Justinus Hansens spurned the visitor's first chance just after the break.

Novakovic converted a twice-taken penalty for 4-0 after Hendrik Rubeksen fouled Josip Ilicic.

Lineups:

Slovenia: Samir Handanovic, Miso Brecko, Marko Suler, Bostjan Cesar, Robert Koren, Valter Birsa (Andraz Kirm, 51), Milivoje Novakovic (Zlatko Dedic, 73), Bojan Jokic, Aleksander Radosavljevic (Armin Bacinovic, 59), Josip Ilicic, Tim Matavz.

Faeroe Islands: Jakup Mikkelsen, Hendrik Rubeksen, Jonas Tor Naes, Atli Gregersen, Egil a Bo, Justinus Hansen, Frodji Benjaminsen, Bogi Lokin (Hjalgrim Elttor, 41), Daniel Udsen (Jann Ingi Petersen, 81), Christian Lamhauge Holst (Christian Mouritsen, 81), Joan Edmundsson.
 

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