Slovenia 2 Ukraine 1

Slovenia will always remebmer these Euro 2000 play-offs for the extraordinary goal that gave them a deserved win in the first leg of their session with Ukraine in Ljubljana.

Substitute Milenko Acimovic secored the victory that takes the Slovenians nearer to their first major football finals by scoring from the half way line.

Acimovic trapped and controlled a clearance from Ukraine goalkeeper Olexander Shovkovsky in the 84th minute and looked up to see the Ukrainian way off his line. Acimovic took a step forward into the centre circle and launched the ball high over the Ukraine man's head drifting it into the empty net.

It was no more than the home side deserved for a powerful display of discipline and attack-minded football in the second half but they were aided by a red card for Dmitry Parfenov on the hour mark. Going down to ten men removed the option of trying to win from the Ukraine game plan and they tried to sit back on a draw before the miracle shot from Asimovic stunned them.

Parfenov was unlucky to get a second booking for a mis-timed tackle and Andriy Gusin was also sent off with only seconds remaining to Ukraine have suspension worries to deal with before the return leg in Kyiv on Wednesday night.

Milan star Andriy Shevchenko scored great goal to give the visitors the lead when he ran down the right side to cut in past two defenders and clip the ball into the far corner with his left foot.

Zlatko Zahovic brought Slovenia level with a low drive in the 53rd minute to set up the home side for an excellent finish to the night.