Substitute Rok Kronaveter struck a second-half winner as Slovenia recorded their first win in World Cup qualifying Group F with a 1-0 triumph over Slovakia in Ljubljana.

Kronaveter had only been on the pitch two minutes when he hit a neat first-time finish past visiting keeper Matus Kozacik in the 74th minute of a tight encounter after picking up a pinpoint diagonal ball from team-mate Josip Ilicic.

The result was a welcome boost for Srecko Katanec's side, who needed two late goals to salvage a draw in their opening qualifier against Lithuania in Vilnius last month.

But it meant more woe for the Slovakians, who are still searching for their first points of the campaign after defeat to England in their opening match.