Soccer-Slovenia beat Cyprus to stay in qualifying contention

NICOSIA, Sept 10 (Reuters) - Goals from Milivoje Novakovic and Josip Ilicic gave Slovenia a 2-0 win in Cyprus in their Group E qualifier on Tuesday to keep alive their hopes of reaching next year's World Cup. Novakovic opened the scoring with a close-range effort in the 12th minute, while second-half substitute Ilicic sealed victory in the 80th minute with a shot from inside the box. Hosts Cyprus, who had an excellent chance to take an early lead when a long shot by Elias Charalambous went just over the bar in the fourth minute, tried to get back into the game but could not find a goal. Switzerland top the standings with 18 points from eight matches and Slovenia, with 12 points, are among a group of four teams chasing the runners-up spot. Group winners automatically qualify for next year's finals in Brazil, while the best runners-up have a chance to make it through two-legged playoffs. (Reporting by Lakis Avraamides; Editing by Sonia Oxley)