RUSSIA ON THE BRINK OF CRASHING OUT OF EURO 2016

Submitted by content on Mon, 07/11/2016 - 07:09

Russia is on the brink of crashing out of the Euro 2016 after a poor performance in the game against Slovakia.


They were expected to place much higher but with a team bedeviled with injuries, they stand in last place and are set to crash out of the continental tournament.

They were ranked low ahead of the tournament with even some pundits saying none of the players in the team would make the Three Lions squad. They defeated England to get a place at the 2008 Euro tournament, with many blaming the artificial pitch at the Luzhiniki Stadium. Spurs former player Roman Pavlyuchenko grabbed a brace in the keenly contested encounter in October, prior to the tournament the next year.

England went on to lose to Croatia in a rainy defeat ensuring they would watch the games from their homes. Russia then had Arsenal former player Andrei Arshavin and they drew inspiration from Coach Guus Hiddink. Russia surged to the semi finals only losing to eventual winners Spain. One of the most memorable games was when they trounced Holland 3-1. Since then they have not advanced to the knock out stage. Their qualification was slim but they hoped to make an impact at the tournament.

They forced a late equalizer against England but couldn’t consolidate their good start when they faced Slovakia in France 2016. They currently have just a point and are poised to face a highly motivated Welsh team who are fighting for qualification, or possibly the top spot in the group. England will be looking at a victory over Slovakia to sit atop as a draw could leave Wales on top if they defeat Russia. Russia’s only chance at qualification would be to defeat their opponents heavily and hope the other games go in their favour.