Match Review: Heartbreak for Scotland as Hungary clinch last gasp victory at Euro 2024
Scotland’s Euro 2024 dreams were shattered in dramatic fashion as Kevin Csoboth’s 100th-minute goal secured Hungary a stunning win. Despite needing just a draw to keep their faint hopes alive, Scotland were undone by a late counter-attack, sending shockwaves through the Stuttgart Arena.
Steve Clarke’s team failed to register a shot on target, ending their campaign with just one point and once again falling short in the group stages of a major tournament.
Hungary, despite losing Barnabas Varga to injury, finished third in Group A and still have a chance to advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
Scotland’s fans had reason to believe late in the game, with chances opening up in the closing moments. Defender Grant Hanley had a promising shot saved, and strong penalty shouts for Stuart Armstrong were ignored, leaving fans in disbelief.
Scotland’s defensive vulnerabilities and lack of offensive spark were evident throughout the tournament. Their expected goals rating was a meagre 0.13 in this crucial match. Injuries compounded their woes, and the sense of deja vu from previous disappointments was palpable.
For Hungary, the victory was a beacon of hope after challenging times. The Hungarian players celebrated with their fans, holding Varga’s shirt aloft in a display of unity and joy.
In a game where Scotland had everything to gain, they instead let slip a precious point while preparing for a corner in the dying seconds. Hungary capitalized on a swift counter-attack, delivering a crushing blow to Scotland’s aspirations.
Despite dominating possession, Scotland’s impotence in front of goal was their undoing, while Hungary’s resilience and strategic play have kept their hopes of progression alive.
