Following Saturday’s 3-2 defeat by Ireland, the Scots now have to rouse themselves for their final group match against hosts France tomorrow.

Despite dominating early on yesterday, it was the Russians who took the lead, an advantage which they doubled within 40 seconds of the restart.

Goals by Michael Christie and Alan Forsyth drew the Scots level, but parity was shortlived as Russia capitalised on a poor defensive hit-out before sealing their win with a penalty.

"We played a lot of good hockey, but didn’t take our chances when it mattered," said Eugene Connolly, Scotland’s manager.

Against Ireland, the Scots went 3-0 down before making a game of it with strikes from Gavin Byers and Forsyth.