In a gripping encounter at the Stuttgart Arena, Hungary managed to clinch a dramatic last-gasp victory against Scotland in their UEFA Euro 2024 Group A clash. The crucial goal came in the 100th minute of added time, as Kevin Csoboth capitalized on a wound-up moment to secure Hungary’s 1-0 win. This nail-biting finish keeps Hungary’s hopes alive for progressing into the last 16, while crushing Scotland’s aspirations of advancing to the knockout stages for the first time in a major tournament since 1996.
Scotland’s defense was valiant, with Jack Hendry especially prominent as he thwarted Roland Sallai’s efforts from the left wing. Marton Dardai also posed a threat for Hungary but failed to capitalize from a cross, sending his header over the bar.
The match took a severe turn in the second half when a horrifying collision resulted in Hungary’s striker Barnabas Varga being stretchered off. The incident happened as Varga attempted to head a free-kick towards goal, colliding mid-air with Scotland’s goalkeeper Angus Gunn and defender Anthony Ralston. The distressing scene left Varga prone on the ground and required immediate medical attention, with medics placing him in a recovery position and shielding him with a sheet as he was carried off.
Hungary’s Kevin Csoboth became the hero of the night, seizing the opportunity in the 10th minute of added time. The swift cutback and his precise finish shattered Scottish hearts who were pushing hard for a winning goal of their own. Their commitment to attack until the final whistles left them open at the back, ultimately resulting in their heartbreaking exit from the tournament.
Germany topped Group A following a 1-1 draw with Switzerland, securing their position as group winners. The Swiss will accompany Germany to the knockout phase as runners-up, while Hungary’s fate now hinges on the outcomes in other groups to determine if they can advance as one of the best third-placed teams. For Scotland, their campaign ends with just a solitary point, extending their quest for a European Championship victory that has eluded them since 1996.
Scotland’s head coach Steve Clarke had to make a forced change for this match as Scott McKenna replaced Kieran Tierney, who suffered a hamstring injury in their previous game tied 1-1 against Switzerland. Moreover, John McGinn disclosed that the Scottish squad skipped their pre-match nap due to the raucous gathering of thousands of supporters outside their hotel, heightening the sense of anticipation for a pivotal night.
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On the Hungarian side, English-born Callum Styles made it into the midfield line-up after recovering from an injury. Endre Botka also made his first appearance in this tournament, filling the right side of the back three. Hungary entered Euro 2024 with robust expectations, riding high on a 14-match unbeaten run stretching from November 2022 to March this year. Their confidence buoyed after notable victories over England and Germany in the UEFA Nations League. Nevertheless, back-to-back losses had deflated their spirits and made the win against Scotland crucial for their continued tournament hopes.
The match itself was intense but methodical—each team carefully seizing and defending every opportunity. Hungary’s Dominik Szoboszlai had a close call, as his free-kick was almost converted by Willi Orban, whose header glanced just over the crossbar. Injuries and yellow cards punctuated the game, including bookings for Styles and Orban after aggressive tackles on McGinn. Scotland’s attack sprang to life in the second half, with a notable shot coming a whole 53 minutes into the match.
As the game drew to its climax, the fourth official announced a whopping 10 minutes of stoppage time due to the earlier collision incident. The dying moments saw both teams launching all-out attempts for the decisive goal. Gunn heroically saved Hungary’s shots from Andras Schafer and Szoboszlai, with Csoboth narrowly hitting the post. Scotland’s Grant Hanley saw his own chance blocked by Hungary’s goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi, but the swift counterattack led to Csoboth netting the vital goal.
The dramatic finish invites both admiration and heartbreak, as Hungary’s last-ditch effort not only resurrected their campaign but also brutally ended Scotland’s dreams of a historic knockout stage appearance. This story of persistence, resilience, and sheer tenacity will be remembered by both nations for years to come, encapsulating the unpredictable magic of tournament football.
