Scotland vs Hungary

Watch Scotland vs Hungary full match replay and highlights.
KICK-OFF at 19:00 (GMT) on 23rd June 2024
The referee for this match is F. Tello
Game played at Stuttgart Arena
This is a match in Europe – UEFA European Championship, Group A, Season 2024

Hungary 1-0 Scotland: Last-Gasp Victory Keeps Hungary’s Hopes Alive

Hungary ended their eight-match winless run in the UEFA European Championships with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Scotland in a match that saw the Scots eliminated from the competition. A goal in the tenth minute of stoppage time by Kevin Csoboth shattered Scottish dreams, while Hungary’s hopes of progressing from Group A are still alive.

First Half: Tactical Battle and Missed Opportunities

The game began with Liverpool captains Andrew Robertson and Dominik Szoboszlai shaking hands, but the amicable start quickly turned into a fierce contest. Several yellow cards were issued as both teams battled intensely. Hungary adopted a cautious approach, allowing Scotland to dominate possession, which reached 77% by the 25-minute mark. However, Scotland struggled to convert their possession into meaningful chances, failing to test Péter Gulácsi in the Hungarian goal.

Second Half: Frustration and Determination

News of Switzerland’s lead over Germany in Frankfurt meant that Scotland needed a win to keep their hopes alive. Despite their urgency, Hungary’s disciplined defense contained the Scottish attack. Hungary nearly took the lead just before halftime when Dominik Szoboszlai’s free-kick found Willi Orbán, who headed over from six yards.

As the game progressed, Scotland’s frustration grew, exemplified by Scott McTominay’s yellow card, which rules him out of the Round of 16. John McGinn missed a crucial chance to set up McTominay, highlighting Scotland’s struggles in the final third.

Dramatic Conclusion: Injury and Late Heroics

The match saw a lengthy stoppage due to a serious collision between Barnabás Varga and Scotland’s goalkeeper Angus Gunn, with Varga being stretchered off. Hungary’s Szoboszlai almost scored shortly after, forcing Gunn into a superb save. As the game approached its conclusion, Hungary’s persistence paid off. In the 100th minute, Kevin Csoboth finished off a slick counter-attack, scoring from 12 yards out to secure the victory and send the Hungarian fans into a frenzy.

Key Highlights

• Possession Dominance: Scotland held 77% possession but failed to create significant chances.
• Missed Opportunities: Hungary’s Willi Orbán missed a close-range header, while Scotland struggled in the final third.
• Dramatic Goal: Kevin Csoboth’s 100th-minute goal secured the win for Hungary.
• Injury Impact: A collision involving Barnabás Varga led to a long stoppage and added emotional intensity to the match.

Implications

• Hungary’s Hopes Alive: Hungary’s win keeps their chances of progressing from Group A alive, with their three points placing them third in the group.
• Scotland Eliminated: Scotland’s failure to score and the late goal conceded sees them exit the tournament.
• Group A Dynamics: With Switzerland leading in their match, the group remains competitive, and Hungary will look to build on this win in their next match.

Conclusion

Hungary’s victory over Scotland was a testament to their resilience and determination. Despite Scotland’s possession dominance, Hungary’s disciplined defense and late attacking surge proved decisive. The win breathes new life into Hungary’s Euro 2024 campaign, while Scotland will need to reflect on their missed opportunities and lack of cutting edge in the tournament.