Late Mak strike gives Slovakia win over Russia

A late Robert Mak strike gave Slovakia a 2-1 win against Russia on Tuesday in their World Cup Group H qualifier as the home side soaked up late pressure from the visitors to hang on for the victory.

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Milan Skriniar put the hosts in front in the 38th minute when the Inter Milan defender slipped his marker and headed home after connecting with a Mak corner.

Russia – who will be without Rifat Zhemaletdinov in their next match against Croatia after he picked up a yellow card - drew level in the 71st minute after Mario Fernandes scooped a rebound into the net.

But Mak netted the winner three minutes later when he latched onto a Tomas Hubocan pass inside the penalty area before beating a pair of Russian defenders and driving the ball past Russia keeper Anton Shunin.

Russia are level on six points with Croatia at the top of Group H while Slovakia are a point behind. In the other group matches Croatia cruised past Malta 3-0 while Cyprus beat Slovenia 1-0.