Russia vs Wales: EURO 2016 Group B Preview & Prediction

Wales enter their final Group B game against Russia at the Stade Municipal in Toulouse on Monday night knowing that a win would guarantee them a place in the knockout stages of Euro 2016.

Chris Coleman’s men currently have three points following an opening win against Slovakia and a heartbreaking late defeat against England in Lens on Thursday, and know that three points against the Russians will take them to the last 16 at their first ever European Championship finals.

Gareth Bale had given the Welsh a first half lead against the Three Lions, and despite Jamie Vardy’s second half equaliser they appeared to be heading for a point, before Daniel Sturridge struck a winner in the last minute of the match.

If Wales fail to win on Monday, there are a number of permutations that could still see them progress, but if they suffer defeat, they will be relying on England beating Slovakia at the same time to keep their chances of reaching the next stage alive.

Meanwhile, the situation is much more clear for Russia, who have to win to stand any chance of qualifying for the knockout stages after taking just a single point from their opening two Group B fixtures, while they would also need Roy Hodgson’s side to record victory in Saint-Etienne.

The second of those was a 2-1 defeat to Slovakia, where Leonid Slutsky’s outfit didn’t start playing until 20 minutes from time when they were already 2-0 down. Denis Glushakov did net late on for Russia, but they couldn’t force an equaliser as they did in the final few seconds against England in their opener.

They will certainly be wary of conceding any free-kicks within range, as Gareth Bale has already scored twice from set pieces in Wales’ two group games so far.

These two nations have only met on four occasions previously, with the last meeting a 3-1 win for Russia in qualification for the 2010 World Cup. Wales are yet to register a win, losing three times and drawing the other.

Gareth Bale has scored in both of Wales’ matches at Euro 2016. Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

Team News:

Oleg Shatov is doubtful for Russia with a groin problem, and coach Slutsky could be tempted to make a number of changes following the disappointing performances in France so far.

Meanwhile, Wales midfielder Joe Ledley has declared himself fit after being forced off in that defeat to England with a calf strain, and Wayne Hennessey suffered no reaction on his return from a back problem making him available for selection as Coleman prepares to name an unchanged XI.

FIFA World Ranking: Russia – 29th; Wales – 26th
Best European Championship Finish: Russia – Semi Finals (2008); Wales – First Tournament
Previous Meeting: Wales 1-3 Russia (September 9, 2009 – World Cup 2010 Qualifying)
Form: Russia – WLLDDL; Wales – LDLLWL
Key Men: Russia – Aleksandr Kokorin; Wales – Gareth Bale
Shoot Says: Russia 0-1 Wales