Slovenia were determined to get an early lead, and they did, as Kevin Kampl scored from a beautiful strike from 20 metres out that found the left upper corner of the net in the 19th minute.

It was the first goal in the national team for the 22-year-old midfielder in what was only his seventh cap for Slovenia.

Slovenia continued to control play for most of the first half, but faced a determined Albanian attack in the early going of the second half.

Indeed, Slovenia managed to retain its slim lead thanks only to a handful of masterful saves from goalkeeper Samir Handanović during a stretch from the 54th to the 60th minute.

Prior to today's win in Stožice Stadium, Slovenia had lost four of their first five matches in World Cup qualifiers and were almost eliminated from contention for the tournament in Brazil.

Slovenia and Albania played each other in qualifying almost exactly a year ago, when Albania won 1-0 in Tirana.

Slovenia will try to get another win as they play Cyprus in Nicosia on Tuesday and secure an even better position in the qualifiers before the final two matches in October.