In order to beat Slovakia, Russia must stop Marek Hamsik. The Napoli star wasn't at his best as the team succumbed to Wales in the opener, but still showed some supreme touches, and this battle will be won and lost in midfield, where Slovakia seem to have an edge right now. Slutsky might instruct Roman Neustadter to mark Hamsik personally when he approaches the danger zone, and that could become the key battle of the fixture. Other midfielders, especially Oleg Shatov, should keep an eye on Juraj Kucka -- a very underrated warrior who enjoyed a decent season at AC Milan and is capable of coming big when it matters most.
If Russia's defensive midfielder, along with Aleksandr Golovin, manages to cover Hamsik well, Slovakia's attacking power will certainly be limited. For Slovakia, Hamsik is a key player due to his strength in directing the game and creating dangerous passes. Napoli's star sometimes has to come back very deep to receive the ball, however, he is eager to support as a centre-forward as well. If Hamsik is given enough space, Slovakia's performance rises and obviously, they create more goal opportunities. To stop Hamsik should be the most important tactical plan of Russia coach Leonid Slutsky and it is expected that Neustadter and Golovin will be the men to mark and watch him closely.
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