The Independent
·24 June 2024
The Independent
·24 June 2024
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Andy Robertson satisfied with improved Scotland performance
Hungary snatched a 100th-minute winner to beat Scotland 1-0 and put themselves in contention for a last-16 spot at Euro 2024 while condemning the Scots to yet another failure at a major tournament in a match that also saw Barnabas Varga stretchered off following a horror collision.
Kevin Csoboth’s breakaway goal with the last kick of the match ensured Hungary finished third in Group A with three points while Scotland crashed out at the bottom of the table and are still to get through to the knockout phase of either the Euros or World Cup in their history.
Hungary must now wait to see whether they will qualify for the last 16 as one of the best third-placed finishers, depending on results from the other groups.
Before the late drama, Hungary striker Varga endured a scary moment as he horrifically collided with Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn and defender Anthony Ralston. Varga appeared to be out cold and was treated on the pitch behind a blanket curtain before being stretchered off but was later reported to be stable in a Stuttgart hospital, needing cheek surgery.
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Why always Scotland? Why always like this? The same, crushing feeling – a hundred times over – brings the Tartan Army’s party at Euro 2024 crashing to a halt. With the last kick of the game and in the 100th minute, Kevin Csoboth may have sent Hungary through to the last 16. In the far corner, Hungary certainly celebrated like they are in the next round. At the other end, as defeated heroes fell to the turf, Scotland didn’t need to be told they were going home.
And so, a 12th appearance at a major tournament ended with a 12th elimination at the group stage for Scotland. But that does not tell the story of this campaign, of this night. Has a Scotland side ever got so close to making history on this stage? And how did Scotland not get a penalty, for the chance to send themselves through?
Jamie Braidwood in Stuttgart:
Scotland 0-1 Hungary: Kevin Csoboth scored a 100th-minute winner to send the Tartan Army crashing out, after Stuart Armstrong saw appeals for a penalty waved away
Karl Matchett23 June 2024 22:51
In the other game in Group A, a reminder that Germany equalised in stoppage time through Fullkrug to end top of the quartet.
Here’s the goal which topped the Swiss at the death.
Karl Matchett23 June 2024 23:58
There will rightly be questions of why the penalty appeal didn’t get a second look from the VAR tonight.
But Scotland cannot really blame anybody else but themselves for a lack of attacking intent for far too long, until it was too late. They only had four shots all night to Hungary’s 12. Only Hanley late on went remotely close. Hungary hit the post twice before their late, late winner - there just wasn’t enough from Steve Clarke’s side going forward.
(Getty Images)