Scotland’s journey at EURO 2024 concluded in the most devastating fashion, succumbing to a 1-0 defeat against Hungary in Stuttgart. A dramatic finale saw both teams vying for a crucial victory in injury time, but it was Kevin Csoboth’s late strike that sealed Scotland’s fate and sent Hungary through, leaving the Tartan Army in despair.
Match Summary: Scotland 0 – 1 Hungary
Goal: Hungary – Kevin Csoboth (90+10′)
Venue: Stuttgart Arena, Stuttgart
Date: Sunday, 23 June 2024
Team Lineups and Tactical Tweaks
Scotland manager Steve Clarke opted for a single change to his starting eleven from the draw against Switzerland. Scott McKenna replaced the sidelined Kieran Tierney in defense. Ryan Porteous remained suspended following his red card in the opening match against Germany.
Game Action: A Minute-by-Minute Account
Fueled by a passionate rendition of Flower of Scotland from the Tartan Army faithful, Scotland began with positive intent, controlling possession in the early stages and pressing into the Hungarian half.
However, it was Hungary who carved out the first real opportunity. A swift counter-attack led to Bendegúz Bolla testing Angus Gunn from distance, but the Scotland goalkeeper was equal to the task, producing a comfortable save.
The first half unfolded into a tactical battle of attrition. Hungary were content to absorb Scottish pressure, while Scotland, despite dominating possession, struggled to unlock the Hungarian defense and create clear-cut chances.
Hungary’s threat was limited to long-range efforts as well. Dominik Szoboszlai’s free-kick was deflected away from danger, and Roland Sallai’s ambitious shot sailed high over the bar.
Scotland endured a nervous moment just before halftime when Willi Orban met a Szoboszlai delivery with a header that crashed against the woodwork, narrowly avoiding giving Hungary the lead.
The first half concluded scoreless, setting the stage for a moreopen and desperate second half as both teams sought the vital goal.
Scotland emerged after the break with renewed attacking impetus. Che Adams fired narrowly over the bar shortly after the restart, following an incisive run and pass from captain Andy Robertson.
Hungary continued to pose a threat on the counter. Sallai had an attempt of his own, but Anthony Ralston and Jack Hendry combined effectively to snuff out the danger.
The tense second half was then interrupted by a worrying incident. A collision in the penalty area resulted in Barnabas Varga requiring lengthy on-field treatment before being stretchered off, causing a significant delay in play.
With time running out and a goal desperately needed, Steve Clarke turned to his bench. Ryan Christie, Kenny McLean, Lawrence Shankland, and Stuart Armstrong were all introduced to inject fresh energy and attacking ideas into the Scotland side.
Armstrong almost made an immediate impact, latching onto a Scott McTominay pass and appearing to be hauled down in the box. However, the referee waved away the penalty appeals, much to the frustration of the Scotland players and fans.
Lewis Morgan also entered the fray, making his first appearance of the tournament as Scotland threw caution to the wind in search of a winning goal.
The game opened up dramatically in the closing stages. Gunn was called into action again to deny Szoboszlai, and substitute Csoboth struck the post for Hungary, signaling the escalating tension.
Deep into added time, McTominay came close to converting a Morgan cross, but the offside flag was raised, negating any potential goal.
Grant Hanley then seemed poised to snatch a dramatic winner in the 99th minute, but his close-range effort was thwarted by the Hungarian goalkeeper, and Christie’s follow-up was also blocked.
In a final twist of fate, Scotland won a corner in the dying seconds. However, the set-piece was cleared, and Hungary launched a lightning-fast counter-attack. Csoboth was on hand at the far post to convert and break Scottish hearts with virtually the last kick of the match, sealing a painful exit for Scotland from Euro 2024.
Confirmed Teams
Scotland: Gunn, McKenna, Hanley, Hendry, Robertson, McGregor, Gilmour, Ralston, McTominay, McGinn, Adams
Unused substitutes: Armstrong, Clark, Cooper, Christie, Forrest, Jack, Kelly, McCrorie, McLean, Morgan, Taylor
Hungary: Gulácsi, Orbán, Dárdai, Botka, Bolla, Styles (A Nagy 61), Schäfer, Kerkez, Szoboszlai, Sallai, B. Varga
Unused substitutes: Dibusz, Szappanos, Lang, Balogh, A. Szalai, Fiola, Négo, Ádám, Kleinheisler, Gazdag, Z Nagy, Csoboth, Horváth, Kata
