New Delhi: Scotland concluded their UEFA Euro 2024 group-stage campaign against Hungary at the MHPArena in Stuttgart, both teams desperate for victory to secure a spot in the knockout phase. Scotland had earned their sole point by holding Switzerland in their previous match, making this encounter a must-win to potentially advance as one of the top four third-place teams, despite historically winning only two of their 11 European Championship matches.
After a grueling 100 minutes of goalless play, Hungary snatched a dramatic 1-0 victory over Scotland with a decisive late goal by Kevin Csoboth. Scotland’s attempts through Adams, McTominay, and Hanley were thwarted, and Lawrence Shankland was denied a contentious penalty. Hungary, showing clinical precision in front of goal, tested Scotland’s defense through Sallai, Schafer, Szoboszlai, and ultimately Csoboth, who came on as a late substitute to score in the 100th minute. The win gave Hungary a slim chance of progressing to the round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams, while Scotland faced an early tournament exit.
Earlier in the group stage, Hungary had suffered defeats to Switzerland (3-1) and hosts Germany (2-0), which dashed their hopes of finishing in the top two spots. Nevertheless, their determined performance against Scotland kept their knockout dreams alive until Csoboth’s late heroics sealed the crucial victory.
The match encapsulated the highs and lows of tournament football, leaving Scotland disappointed and Hungary cautiously optimistic as they await their fate in the remaining group-stage matches.
Key Highlights from Hungary’s win over Scotland
STUTTGART, GERMANY – JUNE 23: Kevin Csoboth of Hungary celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates Dominik Szoboszlai and Roland Sallai during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Scotland and Hungary at Stuttgart Arena on June 23, 2024 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
In the 41st minute, Hungary squandered the opportunity to take a 1-0 lead from close range. Rather than taking a shot from 20 yards, Szoboszlai lofted the ball to the far post, where Orban arrived but could only head it over Gunn, hitting the top of the bar from just a few yards out.
Despite dominating possession, Scotland did next to nothing with the ball, failing to produce a single effort on goal in the first 45 minutes. Meanwhile, Hungary looked dangerous on the break, with Bolla forcing an early save from Gunn from distance and Orban heading a close-range chance over from right in front. Speculative efforts from Sallai and Szoboszlai didn’t trouble Gunn, but Gulacsi had even less to do. Scotland needed to change that aspect of their play if they were to have any chance of reaching the last 16 by full-time.
In the 53rd minute, Robertson and Adams advanced down the left flank, with Adams cutting inside onto his right foot. He took a shot from the edge of the box, but his curling effort went over the top.
McGinn made a brilliant run down the right, beating Schafer, Kerkez, and Dardai before driving into the box. He cut the ball back for McTominay, but Orban stepped in to hurriedly clear it away in the 58th minute.
In the 69th minute of the match, Dominik Szoboszlai delivered a free kick that Scotland’s keeper Angus Gunn came out to punch away. Barnabas Varga was caught in the huddle in the penalty box and collapsed, prompting physios to rush onto the field with players forming a protective circle around him. Medical staff attended to Varga, placing a cloth around him as he received treatment. Following a lengthy delay, Varga was stretchered off the pitch by the medical team. VAR checks were conducted, but Hungary did not receive a penalty after the incident.
In the 90th minute, Armstrong kept a goal opportunity alive down the left, lofting a cross into the center that Christie adeptly exploited. He and McTominay collaborated to set up Hanley, but Gulacsi brilliantly parried away his curling strike.
Hungary found the breakthrough to eliminate Scotland. Following a scrappy tussle from a corner, Hungary gained possession and swiftly launched a counter-attack. Csoboth linked up with Sallai on the right flank, timed his run perfectly, and met Sallai’s low cross to slot the ball into the bottom-left corner. The goal sparked jubilation for Hungary and heartbreak for Scotland, sealing a 1-0 victory in the 100th minute.
Hungary secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Scotland in their UEFA Euro 2024 group-stage match with a last-second goal by Kevin Csoboth. The win gives Hungary a slim chance of progressing to the knockout stage, while Scotland faces an early exit from the tournament. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
