Euro 2016 preview and odds: Russia vs Slovakia

Published on: 14/06/2016

Euro 2016 preview and odds: Russia vs Slovakia

Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille Métropole - June 15, 2016

Group stage - Group B

Russia will kick off the second game of their Euro campaign with the threat of expulsion hanging over their head should their fans cause trouble during the Group B clash with Slovakia.

Honours even in previous competitive meetings

Since both countries gained independence, Russia and Slovakia have faced each other in four competitive matches drawing two and winning one game apiece. They last met in the qualifying stages of Euro 2012 where they both secured 1-0 wins away from home.

Russia have qualified for five of the six Euros that have been held since they became an independent country. As part of the Soviet Union, they won the first ever edition of the European Championship in 1960 (then known as the European Nations` Cup). They also finished as runners-up in the second edition held in 1964, and again in 1972. Their best performance in recent years came in 2008, when they made it to the semi-final stage before being beaten by eventual champions Spain.

The Russians are currently sat in joint-second place in Group B with a total of one point after playing out a 1-1 draw with England on Matchday One.

Slovakia have never appeared at a UEFA Euro finals event as an independent nation. However, they appeared in three finals as part of Czechoslovakia, achieving two third places finishes (in 1960 and 1980) and winning the event in 1976.

The highlight of their qualifying campaign was a 2-1 win over Spain that broke the reigning champion`s 36-match unbeaten record in qualifying. They come into this game on zero points having lost their opener against Wales 2-1.

Form (all competitions):

Russia: DDLLW

Slovakia: LDWWD

Betting predictions

Both teams were unconvincing in their opening games and it will interesting to see who tales the initiative in this match. With little to separate them, the draw seems like the best bet.

You can back the draw at 9/4 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 14/06/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (14/06/2016 15:59:07) but are subject to change.