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Euro 2016: England denied by Russia's last-gasp equaliser

June 12, 2016 03:41 IST

Vasili Berezutski headed in a 92nd-minute equaliser in Marseille, restoring parity after Eric Dier had put England ahead in the Group B contest.

IMAGE: Vasili Berezutski of Russia celebrates his team's late equalizer goal against England at Stade Velodrome on June 11, 2016 in Marseille, France. Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images.

Vasili Berezutski struck in added time as Russia, second best for long periods, rescued a draw from their UEFA EURO 2016 opener against England in a Group B clash at Stade Velodrome in Marseille.

Euro 2016: Points Table

IMAGE: Denis Glushakov of Russia in action against England at Stade Velodrome on June 11, 2016 in Marseille, France. Photograph: Laurence Griffiths /Getty Images.

The Russia captain outjumped Danny Rose inside the penalty area, looping a header over Joe Hart into the far corner – despite Denis Glushakov's best efforts to steal the goal on the line. It silenced the masses of England fans, who were in good voice thanks to Eric Dier's wonderful free-kick with a little over a quarter of an hour remaining.

IMAGE: Eric Dier (left) of England celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Russia at Euro 2016. Photograph: Laurence Griffiths /Getty Images.

It was a case of what might have been for Roy Hodgson's men on a clammy, close night in Marseille. They dominated for long spells, penning their opponents back. Spurred on by Wayne Rooney – deployed in central midfield – and thrusting right-back Kyle Walker, they twice tested Igor Akinfeev before the break through Adam Lallana.

IMAGE: England forward Harry Kane fails to convert a chance to score against Russia. Photograph: Laurence Griffiths /Getty Images.

Russia only had one effort on target in that time, when Sergei Ignashevich headed straight at Hart from Oleg Shatov's free-kick. Leonid Slutski's charges carried a greater threat in the second period, although it was England who seemed to have landed the decisive blow, soon after the busy Akinfeev had parried a measured Rooney effort against the crossbar. 

Berezutski, 33, had other ideas, meeting Igor Smolnikov's ball from the left to earn Russia an unlikely point. It means England have still never won their opening game in a EURO finals.  

- Euro 2016 Coverage 

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