Spellbinding Slovakian Hamsik leaves Russia on brink of exit
If the barbaric behaviour or flare-wielding foolishness of some of its fans don't boot Leonid Slutsky's side from the tournament, Russia will send itself home instead.
Slovakia held firm in the second stanza of Wednesday's meeting in Lille, edging a 2-1 win over Russia thanks to fine first-half strikes from Vladimir Weiss and the influential Marek Hamsik. The three points earned in Group B marked the country's first ever victory at the European Championships.
It was an economical performance from Jan Kozak's team, who kickstarted its campaign following its opening defeat to Wales. Hamsik appeared to be at a higher level than the other 21 players around him, and his colleagues expertly soaked up pressure. Martin Skrtel and Jan Durica were particularly effective in stymieing Russia's aerial threat until Denis Glushakov was left unmarked to nod in an 80th-minute consolation.
Due to the suspended disqualification looming over Russia due to supporters' conduct in last Saturday's Marseille meeting with England, its status in the competition isn't at all comfortable. A flare was also sighted in the stands during the match but was promptly distinguished - one flashpoint that could prove costly for its spot in the tournament.
But now, with a measly point and nothing remotely inspiring to take from the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Russia's hopes are almost dashed anyway.
This is the first time Russia have conceded more than one goal in their last 35 competitive fixtures. #EURO2016 pic.twitter.com/dO990lxLL7
— UEFA EURO 2016 (@UEFAEURO) June 15, 2016
Russian forays forward looked disjointed, and it was flat-footed and distracted defending that was at fault for both of Slovakia's goals.
Weiss was first on the scoresheet when his turn inside easily lost two opponents before slotting beyond Igor Akinfeev. A fine effort, but outdone by Hamsik 13 minutes later when he again punished some slack backline work before unleashing a sublime finish in off the post.
Russia will now wait nervously to see if it gets hit by the flare incident in the stands, but if it is allowed to continue Wales lays in wait at Toulouse's Stadium Municipal on June 20. At the same time, England takes on Slovakia.