Match Preview
Russia and Slovakia take on each other at the Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille, in their second Group B match of UEFA Euro 2016, in what promises to be a crucial game of football for both the teams, as they look to qualify for the latter stages of the tournament. Russia are currently third in their group with 1 point and Slovakia is at the bottom of the table, with no points.
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Russia’s first match against England made more headlines off the pitch than on it. Clashes between the Russian and English fans caused mayhem in Marseille, where the match ended 1-1. Russia have been handed a suspended disqualification by UEFA and any more instances of Russian fans engaging in violence can lead to their disqualification from Euro 2016. Despite struggling for long periods against England, Russia fought on to score an injury time equalizer, through a brilliant header from their captain, Vasili Berezutski. Leonid Slutsky’s men would be looking to get all three points against a Slovakian team, who disappointed in their match against Wales.
Russia has received an injury boost as midfielder Denis Glushakov has returned to training following a calf strain. Goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev impressed one and all with a few brilliant saves against England in the opening match, and would be looking to carry on his form against Slovakia. Three of Russia’s defenders that started against England are from CSKA Moscow, and their experience of playing alongside each other would certainly help the Russian side. Scoring goals has been a big problem for the Russians lately, and would rely heavily on Artyom Dzyuba, who must improve upon his showing against the English.
Slovakia started off their Euro 2016 campaign against Wales with a 2-1 defeat. A late Robson-Kanu goal denied Slovakia a point. Slovakia are in a desperate need to win today’s match, as a loss would potentially end their dreams of qualifying for the top 16. Jan Kozak’s team would be dependent on their midfield star, Marek Hamsik. The Napoli man has 88 caps and 18 goals for the national side. Michal Duris will look to provide goals upfront, and the defense would be headed by former Liverpool man and Slovakian captain, Martin Skrtel. Ondrej Duda, who scored against Wales, would be looking to trouble the opposition.
This promises to be an exciting match with a lot on the line for both teams, and the margin for error in a tight Group B is very less. A win can virtually secure Russia a place in the top 16, while a loss would put them in a difficult position. Slovakia would be pushing for a much important win, too. With all of the excitement that this match promises, eyes will be on the stands with the threat of disqualification looming large over Russia.
Team News
Russian midfielder Denis Glushakov may start after recovering from a calf strain. Russia are not expected to make too many changes from their draw against England.
Slovakia has no injury issues, but Ján Kozák is expected to make some changes after a lackluster performance against Wales.
Predicted Line-Ups
Russia(4-2-3-1): Akinfeev, Smolnikov, Berezutski, Ignashevich, Schennikov, Neustadter, Golovin, Kokorin, Shatov, Smolov, Dzyuba.
Slovakia(4-2-3-1): Kozacik, Pekarik, Skrtel, Durica, Svento, Kucka, Hrosovsky, Mak, Hamsik, Weiss, Duris.
Kickoff and Live Telecast
Date and Time: June 15, 2016 – 06:30 PM (IST)
Live Telecast: Live telecast on Sony Six, Sony Six HD, Sony ESPN, Sony ESPN HD.
Venue: Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille.
Live Stream info: Live stream will be on http://euro2016.sonyliv.com/
