A MANCHESTER UNITED star was dumped out of World Cup qualifying after the “best own goal ever” sent a match into chaos.
European hopefuls Slovenia will not be travelling to North America next summer after suffering a disastrous 2-0 home defeat to Kosovo.
The hosts boasted Leeds star Jaka Bijol and Atletico Madrid icon Jan Oblak in their starting XI.
Man United’s new £74million striker Benjamin Sesko was not involved after picking up a knee injury.
Yet Slovenia could not stop crashing to defeat, ending their hopes of reaching the World Cup finals.
They went behind after just six minutes when Fisnik Asllani scored for Kosovo.
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Slovenia then sent Petar Stojanovic on early in the second half.
But he was given a red card almost immediately for a brutal foul, reducing Sesko’s side to 10 men.
And Slovenia’s fate was sealed 10 minutes later when a comical own goal doubled Kosovo’s lead.
The visitors played in a cross from deep in the hope of unsettling Slovenia’s defence.
But Zan Karnicnik had a moment of madness as he stuck a leg out in the hope of clearing the ball.
Instead, he sent a looping effort soaring into the air and past his own goalkeeper.
Oblak appeared dismayed by the major error as Kosovo players celebrated jubilantly.
Fans at home were also left gobsmacked by the scenes, with many in stitches over the own-goal.
One said: “One of the best own goals I’ve seen in my life.”
Another declared: “Slovenia need to put him into the striker position.”
One added: “Puskas award?”
While the result ended Slovenia’s World Cup hopes, it saw Kosovo seal at least a playoff spot.
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They are second in Group B, three points off leaders Switzerland.
The rivals face each other on Tuesday in a battle for top spot, but Kosovo face an uphill task due to the Swiss’ major positive goal difference – 11 more than their own.
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