Scotland’s hopes of progressing in Euro 2024 were dashed by a dramatic stoppage-time goal. Kevin Csoboth scored in the 100th minute, just moments after Barnabas Varga was stretchered off. This defeat continues Scotland’s unfortunate streak, as they have yet to advance beyond the group stage in any major competition.
Report
Scotland failed to advance from the group stage at a major tournament once again, suffering a dramatic 1-0 defeat to Hungary at Euro 2024. In a tense match, Scotland’s hopes of securing a place in the knockouts were dashed when Kevin Csoboth scored on the counter-attack in the 100th minute.
Despite pushing forward in search of a winner, Scotland was undone by Csoboth’s late strike, keeping Hungary’s faint hopes of reaching the last 16 alive. This defeat added to Scotland’s major tournament heartache, as they aimed to reach the knockout stage for the first time in their history.
Grant Hanley came close to securing a late winner for Scotland in a frantic finale, but his chance went begging deep in stoppage time. Additionally, a major penalty shout was waved away by Argentinean referee Facundo Tello. In their desperate bid for victory, Scotland was caught on the break, with substitute Csoboth slotting home after earlier hitting the post.
Hungary’s victory was tempered by concern for striker Barnabas Varga, who was stretchered off after a nasty clash. Reports later confirmed he was in stable condition at a local hospital.
The result sees Hungary leapfrog Scotland into third place in Group A with three points. They now await the remaining group stage results to see if they will qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
Analysis
Once again, the Tartan Army believed, and once again, they were left in tears as another campaign ended at the group stages.
It was a familiar story reminiscent of Euro 2020: the hope rekindled after a draw with England, only to falter in the third game and exit the tournament.
Back-to-back tournament qualifications after such a long absence is commendable, but Andy Robertson wanted Scotland to leave Germany with no regrets. Unfortunately, they are certain to have a few. Grant Hanley headed onto the post late in the draw with Switzerland, and he came so close to a late goal against Hungary. What might have been.
Scotland posed little attacking threat, scoring only two goals in the tournament, with just one of them coming from a Scotland player.
Injuries played a part, both pre-tournament and during the competition, but after such a convincing qualifying campaign, the fans who brought so much joy to the tournament probably deserved a little bit more.
Reaction
Roland Sallai, Hungary forward:
“It was incredible. Scoring so late, in the 100th minute, is a fantastic feeling, not only for me but for the whole team, for the staff, the fans included. We are very happy that it unfolded like that and we are hopeful in terms of the other games, that they are favourable for us.”
Callum Styles, Hungary midfielder:
“It’s just unbelievable. To score in the last minute is the best feeling anyone can have on a football pitch. A shout out to Kevin [Csoboth]; he’s a top player and he’s done it for the nation.”
Steve Clarke, Scotland coach:
“We were always going to get caught on the counter when you open up like that, but we did create some chances. Then as a consequence of being under pressure to get the win, you maybe snatch at chances, the ball doesn’t quite fall for us. You need the footballing gods to be on your side, and they weren’t on our side tonight.”
Péter Gulácsi, Hungary goalkeeper:
“I was hoping [that the goal would come]. Especially in the last 15 minutes, we had the chances to decide the game for us. That the goal came in the last minute is just pure football, and we are really happy about it.”
Marco Rossi, Hungary coach:
“Scotland had a bit more possession, especially in the first half. In the second half, it was a more up and down match. We could say it was an equal match in which we had more chances. They had more possession but, overall, I think it was deserved.”
Angus Gunn, Scotland goalkeeper:
“We are all gutted in the changing room. We felt like we gave ourselves the opportunity, controlled a lot of the game, and the ball didn’t really fall for us tonight in the areas where we needed it. We were pushing for the winner in the end – that’s why there were so many bodies forward – and they scored, but I think everyone can see we were so close and [I’m] obviously gutted for all the fans also.”
Jack Hendry, Scotland defender:
“It’s extremely low in that dressing room and I am devastated. It’s one of the lowest – if not the lowest – moments I’ve had in football. It’s extremely hard to take.”
Player of the Match: Roland Sallai (Hungary)
Roland Sallai was a standout performer in a match that largely lacked creativity and spark. Throughout the game, he was one of Hungary’s most threatening players. When it mattered most, Sallai led the decisive break and kept his composure to set up Kevin Csoboth for the dramatic winner in the 100th minute. His pivotal role in this crucial moment earned him the Player of the Match honors.
PLAYER RATINGS
Scotland: Gunn 7; Hendry 6, Hanley 7, McKenna 6; Ralston 6, Gilmour 6, McGregor 6, Robertson 6; McTominay 6, McGinn 6; Adams 5. Subs: Armstrong 6, Shankland 6, McLean 6, Christie 6, Morgan N/A
Hungary: Gulacsi 6; Botka 7, Orban 6, Dardai 6; Bolla 6, Nagy 6, Schafer 7, Kerkez 6; Szoboszlai 7, Sallai 8; Varga 6. Subs: Nagy 6, Szalai 6, Adam 6, Csoboth 8, Nagy 6
Key stats
- This was the first competitive meeting between Scotland and Hungary.
- Kevin Csoboth is only the second Hungary player to score a EURO goal as a substitute, following Zoltán Stieber against Austria at EURO 2016.
- Scotland have won only two of their 12 EURO matches (D3 L7).
- This victory marks the first time Hungary have won a EURO match since the opening game of EURO 2016 (W1 L4 D4).
- None of Hungary’s last 14 EURO matches have finished without a goal being scored.
- Ádám Nagy is Hungary’s leading EURO appearance-maker with nine appearances.