Hamsik's goal, assist lead Slovakia over Russia at Euro 2016
Marek Hamsik's goal and assist in the first half was enough for Slovakia to take a 2-1 win over Russia in each team's second Euro 2016 Group B match.
Hamsik sprung Vladimir Weiss with an inch-perfect long diagonal for Slovakia's opener in the 32nd minute. Just before halftime he added a wicked right-footed strike just before halftime to send his side into the locker room with a 2-0 lead. Russia pulled one back through Denis Glushakov in the 80th minute, but Russia couldn't replicate its last-gap feat against England, failing to secure a point and going into its group finale against Wales with work to do.
Slovakia, meanwhile, will go through to the knockout stage with a win or a draw vs. England.
Much of the focus on Russia at Euro 2016 has been off the field, where its fans have forced UEFA to essentially issue a final warning to stop the violence, or else the 2018 World Cup host will be disqualified and expelled from the tournament. A fan reportedly lit a flare in the Russian fan section after his side scored, which is technically in the rules as something that cannot happen, but there's no word if that alone will kick Russia out of the competition.
Goal highlights are below:
For up-to-the-minute Euro 2016 standings, schedules and statistics, go to our tournament home.
England and Wales meet in the group's other second match on Thursday.
