A Tim Matavz hat-trick helped Slovenia secure their first UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying win this evening at the expense of the Faroe Islands. The FC Groningen striker netted twice in the first half and once in the second to put the hosts firmly in the ascendancy in Ljubljana.

Milivoje Novakovic added a fourth from the penalty spot after 72 minutes and substitute Zlatko Dedic completed Slovenia's scoring six minutes from time before Christian Mouritsen notched a stoppage-time consolation for the visitors.

Despite their comprehensive victory, Matjaz Kek's side remained second from bottom of Group C after Estonia's 3-1 win in Serbia and Northern Ireland's creditable point at home to Italy. Next up for Slovenia is a trip to Tallinn to take on second-placed Estonia on Tuesday while the pointless Faroes host Northern Ireland.