In the third and last group match for Euro 2024 Scotland faced Hungary in Stuttgart this evening. Hungary left it late to break the deadlock, but managed to score the winner in the last minute of extra time.
Scotland controlled the ball in the opening stages of the game, without creating any big chances. Hungary eventually managed to push back with a long range effort, which could be dealt with by Gunn. Both teams created danger, without resulting in any clear cut chances.
In the 35th minute Sallai made a long range effort at goal, but the ball flew high over the net. The attempt signified the somewhat poor level of football on display. Just before half time Hungary received a free kick in a dangerous position on the edge of the box. A high ball found the head of the incoming Hungarian attacker. To the relief of the Scottish fans Gunn could save the close range effort with some effort. It was the biggest chance of the match so far.
The second half started the same as the first ended. Neither side managed to overtake the other, while both teams created danger. Both defences held up.
In the 68th minute a Hungarian free kick found its way into the Scottish box. The ball got smashed away decisively by Gunn, but Varga remained down. The Hungarian attacker required significant medical attention, pausing the game for eight or so minutes. Eventually the attacker got carried away on a stretcher, under the tearful watch of players and fans. VAR determined there was no penalty.
Several minutes later Armstrong broke through the Hungarian defence. In a last gasp effort the 32-year-old Southampton player got taken down in the Hungarian box. To the consternation of the Scottish fans the referee saw nothing in it. No penalty.
In the last minute of normal time Schäfer managed to drive the ball forward into the Scottish box. The Hungarian got a low strike on target, but Gunn kept the ball out. Not much later Szoboszlai got send deep into the box. The Liverpool midfielder got a powerful shot on target. Gunn kept the ball out again. To the dismay of the Scottish fans, another Hungarian chance followed soon after. This time Gunn had no answer at the strike from inside the box, but the ball hit the side of the post. No goal.
In the last minute of extra time Hungary managed to break away via a counter. The ball got pulled back into the box and found Csoboth. To the heartbreak of the Scottish fans the Hungarian forward smashed the ball past Gunn. Scotland zero, Hungary one.
The result is bad news for Scotland. The defeat means Scotland ended fourth and last in Group A. On another pitch in Frankfurt Germany and Switzerland made it a 1-1 draw, and both teams will progress to the knock out stages. With four points Hungary is likely to progress among the best number three in the tournament.
