Slovenia leads 2-1 against US after 60 minutes in Group C match at World Cup

Slovenia leads 2-1 against US after 60 minutes

JOHANNESBURG — Slovenia led the United States 2-1 after 60 minutes in their Group C match at the World Cup.

Valter Birsa’s left-footed drive from more than 25 yards caught U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard off guard in the 13th minute and Zlatan Ljubijankic’s goal in the 42nd gave Slovenia a 2-0 lead at halftime.

Landon Donovan reduced the margin when he lifted a right-footed shot into the roof of the net from a tight angle three minutes after the break.

The Americans had chances during a period of sustained possession late in the first half but couldn’t capitalize.

Samir Handanovic punched away Francisco Torres’ curling free kick from the right in the 36th and Jay Demerit headed over the crossbar.