Ljubljana - The mood was hope in Sunday's newspaper headlines in Slovenia following a 2-1 defeat in Moscow in the first leg of the World Cup qualifications.

"Hooray, we still live," screamed a headline in the daily Dnevnik. It said that the star-studded Russian team was dominant throughout the match, but that "surefooted and confident" Slovenia in the end "got away very well."

"Russia was by far the most difficult opponent we have had," former team manager Zdenko Verdenik told TV Slovenia after the match, pointing out that Russia still showed weaknesses, particularly in defense, which leave the door open to the underdog.

"We must admit that Russia deserved the win, though we did not play too poorly," team captain Robert Koren said. "But we are strong at home and our stadium in Maribor is our stronghold."

Slovenia and Russia face off in the decisive return leg on the 12,000-seat stadium on Wednesday. Six other teams are battling in playoffs for the four remaining places reserved for Europe in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.