Slovakia held on to earn their first victory at a European Championships and defeated Russia 2-1, leaving the Bears’ hopes of getting through Group B hanging by a thread.
Knowing a loss would be devestating, both sides were understandably tentative in the early stages of the match – with long-ball tactics and attempts to spring the offside trap the theme of the day.
Sure enough, the first goal arrived on 30 minutes, from a long ball, and it was Vladimir Weiss and Slovakia that took the lead. The winger timed his run to perfection and cut back onto his right-foot, sending two Russian defenders flying past before curling a strike past the despairing goalkeeper Igor Akinfieev. It was Marek Hamsik that provided the supreme pass over the top.
On the stroke of halftime, it was 2-0 to the team in white. Once again it was Slovakia’s key man delivering when his country needed him to most. A cracking finish from Hamsik saw him receive a quickly taken corner, beat the closest defender and unleashed a top corner bound strike that bounced off the post and into the side netting. Arguably the goal of the tournament so far, and the Russian defence were kicking themselves.
At the break and sensing the match slipping away, Russian manager Leonid Slutsky made two changes, swapping his two central-midfielders in a bid to change the outcome – Denis Glushakov and Pavel Mamaev replaced Neustadter and Aleksandr Golovin in midfield.
For the majority of the second-half the Bears held the lions share of possession, but it was Slovakia who made the more incisive attacks.
However, in the 79th minute Russia were right back in it. Some silky interplay was capped off with a one-two on the edge of the box, and then a clipped cross back for the late-arriving Denis Glushakov to put an accomplished header into the far corner. All of a sudden Slovakian confidence had completely evaporated and they were pinned back with 10 minutes to go.
Somehow they managed to hold on, and the final whistle had never sounded so sweet.
Euro 2016 – Player Ratings – Russia 1 Slovakia 2
Fans relatively quiet
Perhaps because of UEFA’s fine and ban threat to the Russian ultras, or perhaps because the animosity between the nations does not run as deep, for whatever reason there appeared to be little violence or drama in the stands.
This time, the passion displayed was more appropriate and contained by the Russians, while the Slovakians carried over their magnificent support they showcased against Wales, and this time they were rewarded with a win.
Of course, when Russia scored, a flare had to be lit at their end.
Two defensive teams cancel each other out
A cagey opening showcased the deep-lying setups of the two teams. It was immediately clear that the sides with the similar flags and colours were playing football that was very akin to each other.
Both playing four at the back, five in the midfield, and a lone striker up top, it was a like-for-like battle across the park. There was an equal lack of striking reserve firepower and proven hitmen on the bench, and it showed on the field as no natural forwards scored in the match.
Marek Hamsik: MotM vs Russia @sfzofficial pic.twitter.com/2rTq8VX7AU
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) June 15, 2016
The stars align for Slovakia
Hamsik finally showed his incredible capabilities on the major stage. At times he was unplayable, and he looked a cut above the rest of the players on the pitch. With a goal and assist he proved why he is so valuable to his national side, he bossed proceedings. Vladimír Weiss also played an excellent game, scored a goal, and looked dangerous throughout the encounter, while Martin Skrtel and company were solid and relished their deep defensive setup.
Despite cagey football being played overall, the Slovakian’s showed that extra bit of quality required to finish their chances and had the confidence to try things the Russian’s just could not seem to fathom.
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