Russian fans behave but team’s in trouble

The behaviour of Russian fans improved in Lille, France, but their team might still be forced out of the European Championship early.

Elimination, rather than disqualification, is the immediate threat after Russia’s shortcomings were badly exposed in a 2-1 loss to Slovakia on Wednesday. Marek Hamsik’s long pass split the Russian defence, setting up Vladimir Weiss for Slovakia’s first goal in the 32nd minute. Weiss turned provider just before halftime as Hamsik powered in the second at the Stade Pierre Mauroy.

“He was superb with the ball, but also helped a lot in defence and scored a beautiful goal,” Slovakia coach Jan Kozak said of Hamsik.

The Russians pulled one back in the 80th minute on Denis Glushakov’s header, but there was no late equalizer, like in Saturday’s violence-marred match against England. The loss left Russia with only one point from two matches in Group B.

Russia, the 2018 World Cup host, still has problems off the field. The red flare set off by Russian fans after Glushakov’s goal could prove problematic for the federation, which has been threatened with disqualification from Euro 2016 by UEFA if there is further misbehaviour. On Saturday in Marseille, Russian fans attacked their English rivals. There was no repeat of the violence.

Russia will next face Wales on Monday in Toulouse, while Slovakia plays England at the same time in Saint-Etienne. SWITZERLAND 1, ROMANIA 1 In Paris, the Swiss closed in on a spot in the next round with the tie. Admir Mehmedi scored a 57th-minute equalizer, leaving the Swiss with four points ahead of their final Group A match against France.

Romania, meanwhile, experienced a little deja vu from its opening loss to France: Boosted by a penalty kick from Bogdan Stancu, then beaten by an opponent’s sweet left-footed shot.

Switzerland had the most chances. “It’s not that we can’t create them. We just don’t finish them,” said Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka, man of the match for the second straight time.