European Qualifiers: Novakovic penalty gives Slovenia 1-0 home win over Switzerland

Milivoje Novakovic's late penalty earned Slovenia a 1-0 win over Switzerland in Thursday's European Qualifier in Maribor.

The Swiss had the lion's share of possession and chances but were unable to find a way past the impressive goalkeeper Samir Handanovic and paid the price 10 minutes from time when Novakovic converted after Johan Djourou had brought down Kevin Kampl.

The result marked a second straight loss for new Switzerland coach Vladimir Petkovic, whose side went down 2-0 to England in Basle in his first match since succeeding Ottmar Hitzfeld at the helm.

Both teams headed into the encounter having lost their Group E openers last month, and it was the visitors who for the majority of the game looked the more likely to get their first points on the board.

The Swiss started much the brighter amid a lively atmosphere, with Xherdan Shaqiri looking particularly dangerous, while the hosts managed only the odd foray forward on the counter-attack.

Shaqiri saw a left-footed attempt parried by Inter Milan goalkeeper Handanovic in the 14th minute, while Haris Seferovic went even closer for Switzerland in the 28th minute when his attempt struck the post.

The only goal of the game arrived in the 80th minute. Referee Wolfgang Stark pointed to the spot after Kampl went down under Djourou's challenge and, although Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer went the right way, he was unable to keep out Novakovic's powerful penalty.

Switzerland continued to press forward but to no avail, and Slovenia substitute Nejc Pecnik could even have made it 2-0 in stoppage time but lashed wide from 12 yards.