After losing 2-1 to Wales in their opening fixture, Slovakia are back in the running for a last-16 spot at EURO 2016. Marek Hamsik & Co. were 2-1 winners against Russia in the second round of fixtures in Group B and are now in with a good shout of reaching the knockout stages. Meanwhile, bottom of the group Russia have just one point to their name and will likely have to beat Wales on the final matchday if they want to progress.
The opening goal almost came of nowhere for Slovakia, as Vladimir Weiss beat two players with one cut inside, before curling past Akinfeev around the half-hour mark. The moment of the match then came shortly before the half-time whistle, as Napoli’s Hamsik thundered an unstoppable shot in off the post from a tight angle. Glushakov’s header ten minutes from time gave Russia hope, but it was too little too late.
Romania battle to 1-1 draw with Switzerland
Romania and Switzerland kicked off the second round of group-stage fixtures in Group A with a 1-1 draw. Bogdan Stancu put the Romanians ahead with his second penalty of the tournament before Admir Mehmedi smashed home a deserved equaliser for Switzerland. After two matches, the Swiss now have four points on the board and Romania have achieved their first point of the tournament following their narrow defeat to France in the opening game.
The Swiss got off to the better start at the Parc des Princes and the first chance fell to Haris Seferovic, but Romania were soon awarded a penalty after Stephan Lichtsteiner was penalised by Russian referee Sergei Kasarev for pulling Alexandru Chipciu’s shirt. As he did against France, Stancu converted from the spot. Switzerland continued to attack but it took them until shortly before the hour mark to find an equaliser. The ball fell to Bayer Leverkusen player Mehmedi following a corner before powering the ball home into the far corner.
France reach the last 16
France’s habit of scoring late goals continued on Wednesday night, as they scored twice in the final minutes to secure a 2-0 win over Albania. Substitute Antoine Griezmann finally headed France in front in the 90th minute, before Dimitri Payet wrapped up the win in the six minute of added time. The West Ham midfielder also left it until the 89th minute to grab the decisive goal in France’s 2-1 win over Romania.
The hosts are therefore the first team to qualify for the last 16. France top Group A with six points, with Switzerland behind them on four points. Romania sit third with one, while Albania are bottom of the group having lost both games so far. A draw for France in their final group match with Switzerland would be enough to see them finish top. Albania and Romania play at the same time on Sunday at 21:00 CEST, hoping at least to end up as one of the four best third-placed teams.
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After losing 2-1 to Wales in their opening fixture, Slovakia are back in the running for a last-16 spot at EURO 2016. Marek Hamsik & Co. were 2-1 winners against Russia in the second round of fixtures in Group B and are now in with a good shout of reaching the knockout stages. Meanwhile, bottom of the group Russia have just one point to their name and will likely have to beat Wales on the final matchday if they want to progress.
The opening goal almost came of nowhere for Slovakia, as Vladimir Weiss beat two players with one cut inside, before curling past Akinfeev around the half-hour mark. The moment of the match then came shortly before the half-time whistle, as Napoli’s Hamsik thundered an unstoppable shot in off the post from a tight angle. Glushakov’s header ten minutes from time gave Russia hope, but it was too little too late.
Romania battle to 1-1 draw with Switzerland
Romania and Switzerland kicked off the second round of group-stage fixtures in Group A with a 1-1 draw. Bogdan Stancu put the Romanians ahead with his second penalty of the tournament before Admir Mehmedi smashed home a deserved equaliser for Switzerland. After two matches, the Swiss now have four points on the board and Romania have achieved their first point of the tournament following their narrow defeat to France in the opening game.
The Swiss got off to the better start at the Parc des Princes and the first chance fell to Haris Seferovic, but Romania were soon awarded a penalty after Stephan Lichtsteiner was penalised by Russian referee Sergei Kasarev for pulling Alexandru Chipciu’s shirt. As he did against France, Stancu converted from the spot. Switzerland continued to attack but it took them until shortly before the hour mark to find an equaliser. The ball fell to Bayer Leverkusen player Mehmedi following a corner before powering the ball home into the far corner.
France reach the last 16
France’s habit of scoring late goals continued on Wednesday night, as they scored twice in the final minutes to secure a 2-0 win over Albania. Substitute Antoine Griezmann finally headed France in front in the 90th minute, before Dimitri Payet wrapped up the win in the six minute of added time. The West Ham midfielder also left it until the 89th minute to grab the decisive goal in France’s 2-1 win over Romania.
The hosts are therefore the first team to qualify for the last 16. France top Group A with six points, with Switzerland behind them on four points. Romania sit third with one, while Albania are bottom of the group having lost both games so far. A draw for France in their final group match with Switzerland would be enough to see them finish top. Albania and Romania play at the same time on Sunday at 21:00 CEST, hoping at least to end up as one of the four best third-placed teams.
