Russia on brink of elimination after loss to Slovakia
LILLE — Slovakia deepened Russia’s woes with classy first-half goals from Vladimir Weiss and Marek Hamsik (picture) giving them a tense 2-1 victory in Euro 2016 Group B last night.
LILLE — Slovakia deepened Russia’s woes with classy first-half goals from Vladimir Weiss and Marek Hamsik (picture) giving them a tense 2-1 victory in Euro 2016 Group B last night.
Just 24 hours after UEFA told Russia they would be expelled from the tournament if their fans caused more crowd trouble, the Slovaks outplayed them for large parts of a match contested under a closed roof because of forecasts of heavy rain.
Slovakia, who lost their opening clash with Wales 2-1, took the lead in the 32nd minute when midfielder Hamsik hit a superb long ball to Weiss, who cut inside the left-hand side of the box and curled his shot inside the far post. There was worse to come for Russia and better from Hamsik, as the interval approached.
The Russian defence was still organising itself when Weiss played a corner short to Hamsik. Oleg Shatov came across in an attempt to block Hamsik but the 28-year-old turned back onto his right foot and curled a tremendous effort in off the far post.
It was arguably the goal of Euro 2016 so far and it had the Slovakians at that end of the ground in raptures.
Slovakia appeared to be heading towards a comfortable victory but the game changed direction dramatically in the last 10 minutes. Substitute Denis Glushakov threw his side a lifeline when he reduced the deficit in the 80th minute, heading home after Shatov had played a one-two with Roman Shirokov and crossed from the left byline. Glushakov had a chance to pull his side level late on but fired just wide, and an injury-time corner for Russia was headed clear as the final whistle went.
The loss means Russia prop up Group B with one point from two games and must now beat Wales in their final group game to keep their hopes of reaching the last 16 alive. AGENCIES