In a week where it was threatened with expulsion from the tournament and its fans criticized for its behavior, Russia’s football players did little to convince they will be remaining in France at Euro 2016 much longer.
Beaten 2-1 by Slovakia in Lille, Russia must now win its final game against Wales on Monday and hope other results go its way to ensure qualification for the knockout phase.
Set to host the World Cup in two years time, Russia was outplayed by a Slovakia side inspired by two fabulous goals courtesy of Vladimir Weiss and Marek Hamsik.
Hamsik’s strike in particular was one to remember, a beautiful curling shot from the edge of the penalty area which flew past the despairing dive of Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev.
Napoli midfielder Hamsik also set up Weiss’ goal with a superb pass.
Denis Glushakov’s 80th minute header gave Russia faint hope but it failed to find the equalizer it so badly craved.
This defeat caps a miserable Euro 2016 campaign so far for Leonid Slutsky’s side, which claimed a draw in its opening match against England in a game which was marred by crowd trouble.
Russia was handed a suspended an from Euro 2016 and told it could be kicked out of the tournament if its fans persisted in causing trouble.
European football’s governing body, UEFA, took action after scenes of disturbance marred Russia’s opening game in Marseille last Saturday.
Russia was also fined €150,000 ($168,000).
Dozens of fans were injured in clashes outside the Stade Velodrome in the French port city, while Russia fans were charged with “crowd disturbances, use of fireworks and racist behavior” inside the stadium.
Both Russia and Slovakia will now turn their attention to Thursday’s other Group B game between England and Wales in Lens.