Kevin Csoboth’s finish in the 10th minute of stoppage time gave Hungary a memorable win over Scotland at EURO 2024 in a game that will otherwise be remembered for a terrifying collision that led to Hungary’s Barnabas Varga exiting the field on a stretcher.
Scotland’s late flurry led to a desperation clearance that turned into a vicious Hungarian counter attack, with Csoboth side-footing home off his late arrival into the box and taking off his shirt before holding up Varga’s No. 19 jersey.
[ MORE: EURO 2024 tables, bracket ]
Both teams needed a win for hope of making the knockout rounds, but all that was secondary for a while after Varga’s scary injury in the 69th minute.
Varga challenged for a cross and wound up shaking on the turf after colliding with a punch attempt from Scotland keeper Angus Gunn, with Scottish fullback Anthony Ralston also shaken up.
[ MORE: EURO 2024 schedule, scores ]
The three points are Hungary’s only ones of the group stage but give them hope of qualifying as a third-place team while Scotland finish last in the group and go home with just a single point from three matches.
Germany drew Switzerland and win the group with seven points, the Swiss taking five points and advancing to the next stage.
Scotland’s attacking mess < Hungary’s rallying cry
Scotland leave EURO 2024 with just two goals, and one was an Antonio Rudiger own goal late in a 5-1 loss. They managed a single shot against the Germans, out-attempted Switzerland 12-11 in a 1-1 draw, and took just four shots in the loss to Hungary. The goal came from Scott McTominay, as forwards Che Adams, Lawrence Shankland, and Co. did little while Lyndon Dykes missed through injury. A nation that once produced Kenny Dalglish and Denis Law is sadly short on scorers.
As for Hungary, their response to Varga’s awful injury was an inspired one. Nine of their 14 shot attempts came in the second half and 0.85 of the Magyarok‘s 1.02 xG arrived in the second 45. It’s especially remarkable in that Varga is their center forward, a lethal striker for Ferencvaros. Roland Sallai and Dominik Szoboszlai delivered the goods underneath the top spot and Hungary have a puncher’s chance to put a scare into anyone if they reach the last 16.
What’s next?
Scotland are eliminated, while Hungary’s three points could be enough for the knockout rounds as one of the four-best third-place teams. Five more groups will be settled over the next few days.
Scotland vs Hungary final score: 1-0
Goalscorers: Csoboth (90+10')
Kevin Csoboth goal (video) — Hungary take late lead
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT HUNGARY FANS!? ✨🇭🇺
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 23, 2024
WHAT. A. MOMENT. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/SgQlO2blaG
How to watch Scotland vs Hungary, stream link and start time
Kick off: 3pm ET, Sunday (June 23)
Stadium: Stuttgart Arena
How to watch on TV in USA: Fox Sports
Scotland team news, focus
Kieran Tierney is out of the rest of the competition after suffering a hamstring injury against Switzerland. Scott McKenna is likely to replace Tierney and they could go to a flat back four as Tierney’s unique skillset allowed them to play their preferred three at the back system. Che Adams is likely to start up front once again but Lawrence Shankland is pushing him for a starting spot, while the big dilemma for Steve Clarke will be how attack-minded he is in midfield. It’s likely Scotland will stay in the game and then go for it in the second half.
Hungary team news, focus
They have absolutely nothing to lose and Hungary did look dangerous at times against Germany last time out. Sallai and Szoboszlai will be the main men in attack and Gazdag and Adam could come in as Hungary go all-out for the win.
Scotland vs Hungary prediction
This seems like a game which will be open and entertaining due to both teams needing a win to keep their hopes alive of staying in the tournament. That usually ends up in a draw which neither team wants and that will be the case here as neither team looks like they can take their chances. Scotland 1-1 Hungary.