Substitute Corry Evans scored a second-half winner Friday to secure a 1-0 victory for Northern Ireland over Slovenia in their qualifying opener for the 2012 European Championship.
Evans came on for Grant McCann in the 67th minute and scored just three minutes later to give Northern Ireland its first win in 10 matches and end a seven-match scoreless drought.
Slovenia created a number of good chances to take the lead, but couldn't beat goalkeeper Maik Taylor.
Slovenia next meets Serbia in Belgrade on Tuesday while Northern Ireland hosts Italy on Oct. 8.
Lineups:
Slovenia: Samir Handanovic, Miso Brecko, Bostjan Cesar, Robert Koren, Zlatan Ljubijankic (Tim Matavz, 88), Valter Birsa, Milivoje Novakovic (Zlatko Dedic, 74), Bojan Jokic, Andraz Kirm (Josip Ilicic, 74), Aleksander Radosavljevic, Matej Mavric.
Northern Ireland: Maik Taylor, Gareth McAuley, Craig Catchart, Stephen Craigan, Christopher Baird, Steven Davis, Grant McCann (Corry Evans, 67), David Healy (Kyle Lafferty, 67), Warren Feeney, Christopher Brunt (Jonny Gorman, 89), Aaron Hughes.
