It was a game Northern Ireland dominated throughout, creating twice as many shots on goal than their hosts but, frustratingly, just falling short of finding a way past 'keeper Rok Vodišek.
Conor McKendry produced the first effort of note after a quarter-of-an-hour with a free-kick which the home defence blocked before Shea Conaty, scorer of the winner over Turkey, saw a 21st minute shot saved. The chances continued with Momodou Jallow and McKendry again testing the 'keeper before the break.
Indeed, McKendry continued to be a thorn in Slovenia's side in the second half, forcing a number of openings and providing a constant set piece threat. Conaty also came close on a number of occasions as did Dylan King.
Tweeting after the game, IFA Elite Performance Director Jim Magilton said, "Very proud of the Under-17s today. They gave every last ounce against Slovenia. Perhaps lady luck will smile on them as a third place qualifer."
Stephen Robinson’s side finished third in the group on goal difference and now must wait for the outcome of the other groups to find out if they qualify for the next phase as one of the five best third placed teams.
Northern Ireland: Conor Hazard, Nathan Kerr, Dylan King, Karl Hamill, Mark McKee, Shea Conaty, Conor McKendry, Michael Kerr, Momodou Jallow, Daniel Rooney, Shea Gordon subs Nathan Gartside (not used), Caoimhghin Mulligan (not used), Matthew Smyth (not used), Joe Crowe (replaced Rooney 78), Matthew McGlinchey (not used), Luke Fisher (replaced Jallow 56), Kyle McClean (not used)
|
|
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
+/- |
||
|
1 |
Portugal |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
5 |
9 |
|
2 |
Slovenia |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
5 |
1 |
4 |
4 |
|
3 |
Northern Ireland |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
6 |
-2 |
4 |
|
4 |
Turkey |
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
3 |
10 |
-7 |
0 |
Match report to follow.