The three goal spree began in the 49th minute as Slovenia overcame a frustrating first half in which it controlled almost all possession and created a plethora of opportunities but converted only once.

Midfielder Kevin Kampl broke down the invisible wall at the outset of the second half with a pinpoint strike from 20 metres out to beat goalkeeper Elia Benedittini, San Marino's best player on the night.

Benedittini made a number of athletic saves to prevent Slovenia from running away with the match in the first half.

But the Kampl goal gave Slovenia new momentum and midfielder Andraž Struna capitalised on a string of creative passes to extend the lead to three goals in the 50th minute.

The Slovenian onslaught continued less than two minutes later, when striker Milivoje Novaković slotted home a through ball.

Slovenian rounded off the scoring through Dejan Lazarevič in the 73rd and Branko Ilić in the 88th. Josip Iličić, who made his comeback to the team, was the lone scorer in the first half, finishing off a through ball after sidestepping Benedittini.

Slovenia remain tied in second place with Switzerland, who beat Estonia in Lucerne tonight, with nine points from five matches. England leads with a perfect record, after beating Lithuania 4-0 in London tonight.