Euro 2016: Slovakia make life difficult for Russia with 2-1 win

Just 24 hours after UEFA told Russia it 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, after losing their opening clash 2-1 to Wales, 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.

Just before halftime Hamsik picked up a short corner on the left and struck his own superb curling shot across the goal and inside the right hand post.

Russia made the last 10 minutes intense with a header from Denis Glushakov but the Slovaks survived, leaving Russia with a point from a draw with England at the weekend when their fans were involved in violent clashes with opposition supporters.

Suddenly Slovakia were on the back foot and the Russians looked capable of grabbing an equaliser.

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 result left Russia with just a point from a draw with England at the weekend when their fans were involved in violent clashes with opposition supporters.

Slovakia top the group on three points ahead of Wales on goal difference. Meanwhile, four Russian football fans were held for questioning in Lille ahead of the match.