JERUSALEM, June 9 (R-Sport) - Russia are teetering on the brink of a group stage exit from the European under-21 football championships after a second successive defeat, this time a 5-1 drubbing by the Netherlands.
PSV Eindhoven midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum struck the opener on 38 minutes, rifling into the corner from 20 yards with the help of a slight deflection off Russia defender Taras Burlak.
Russia were down to 10 men by the time Borussia Dortmund's Luuk de Jong made it 2-0 with a simple header. Dynamo Moscow midfielder Nikita Chicherin had been shown a straight red card for a studs-up tackle on Adam Maher.
Outgoing Real Madrid youngster Denis Cheryshev gave Russia a glimpse of hope when he passed the ball into an empty net after Alan Dzagoev's header rebounded off the post.
But a route-one goal that was finished off with a delightful chip from Benfica's Ola John sealed the result for the Dutch, and Danny Hoesen's similar chip a few minutes from time made it four.
The Dutch ran riot in the latter stages, and it was no surprise when substitute Leroy Fer sidefooted home in stoppage time to complete the rout.
Coupled with an opening day 1-0 defeat to Spain, the result leaves Nikolai Pisarev's side needing Germany to beat Spain later Sunday to retain any chance of progressing to the knockout phase.
The Netherlands, meanwhile, go top of Group B with a second win after beating the Germans 3-2 on Thursday.
Russia are playing in the final stage of the tournament for the first time since 1998, when they lost to Spain to the quarterfinals.
