Slovenia showed arguable the best play in years in the first half hour, with a resurgent Novaković scoring two goals in rapid succession in the 13th and 15th minute.

The game was all but decided in the opening stages of the second half, as Novaković sealed what is the fourth successive victory for the national team, rejuvenated under coach Srečko Katanec.
Slovenia enter the final game of qualifying down one point in Iceland, which fended off a strong challenge by Cyprus.

To earn a play-off spot for Brazil, the team will have to battle for victory against group leader Switzerland on Tuesday and hope Iceland lose to Norway.
Switzerland has already qualified for the World Cup while second place in the group potentially leads into an additional qualifying round.