Euro 2016: Russia, Slovakia clash for last-16 berth

Fresh from holding England in Marseille in their Euro 2016 Group B opener, Russia face Slovakia in Lille on Wednesday knowing a win would all but secure progression to the last 16.

Russia’s opening game on Saturday was overshadowed by the trouble that flared in the city of Marseille and in the stands at the Stade Velodrome at full time.

Uefa has since opened disciplinary proceedings against Russia for the crowd disturbances, as well as racist behaviour and the letting off of fireworks, and has threatened them with expulsion from the competition if violence flares again.

And with England and Wales playing each other in nearby Lens on Thursday, the threat of more incidents between rival supporters in Lille will be of serious concern to local authorities.

But on the pitch in Marseille there was a happy ending for Leonid Slutsky’s side as captain Vasili Berezutski’s stoppage-time equaliser saw them earn a 1-1 draw against the Group B favourites.

That also means a victory at the Stade Pierre Mauroy, a day before England face Wales just along the road, would pile pressure on Roy Hodgson’s men in particular.

For Slovakia there is even greater urgency in their search for a first European Champi-onship finals win after they conceded late on to lose 2-1 against Wales in their opener in Bordeaux on Saturday.