Stojanovic fielded the standard Slovenian line-up, but tweaked the defence line with the inclusion of Darijan Matic, who bore the ultimate responsibility for the first US goal.

Matic fumbled a reception near the penalty area in the 9th minute, allowing Edson Buddle to convert a shot from 18 metres into the first goal for the guests.

After initial US dominance, the home side picked up and scored through Tim Matavz in the 26th minute.

But less than five minutes from half time the US were up one again as Clint Dempsey scored a header over Slovenian keeper Samir Handanovic.

The US made it 3:1 just minutes later as Fabian Johnson fell in the penalty area and Altidore converted the penalty.

The Slovenian side came into the second half rejuvenated as Stojanovic replaced Matic with Rene Krhin and Josip Ilicic with Valter Birsa.

But it was the scorer of the first Slovenian goal who would set the final result in the 61st minute.

In the final half-hour the guests played a low-key game while the Slovenians were unable to put together a decent offence.