Scotland and Hungary share an enduring footballing rivalry, marked by fierce contests that reflect each nation’s distinctive identities.
Steve Clarke’s side face an important test against Stuttgart on Sunday – they hope to end their Euro 2024 nightmare and reach the last 16 by turning around their current form and make history by reaching the last 16. We bring all of the latest stats in our Opta match centre!
In this article, we will discuss the main points of Scotland National Football Team Vs Hungary National Football Team Stats.
Timeline
Scotland are trailing their Euro 2024 counterparts by one point and must win to have any chance at making history at this tournament. After falling to Germany 5-1 in their opening match, Scotland made progress against Switzerland, drawing 1-1 and giving themselves an opportunity to progress into the knockout rounds of this tournament.
Scotland faces Hungary at Stuttgart’s Allianz Arena for their last chance to advance. Scotland have never managed a win against Hungary so a victory is essential if they wish to remain alive in this tournament. Kickoff for this encounter begins at 7.15pm.
First half has been fairly even and neither side have made much impactful progress so far. Scott McTominay comes close with a low cross but it’s cleared by Hungary defenders before Che Adams hits a range shot which misses wide.
Momentum has clearly swung towards Scotland over the last ten minutes, as Szoboszlai’s long free kick was conceded by Scottish defenders and hit over the bar by Szoboszlai. A number of challenging tackles had also landed on Scottish players while Grant Hanley was upended for an apparent penalty but VAR wasn’t called upon for review of that incident.
Bendeguz Bolla made the decisive play at Szoboszlai’s next set-piece, deflecting his delivery into the box over Bendeguz Bolla’s head to head the score-line into his direction. As players returned out for another go at it, Bagpipes were played briefly as players returned out – but were quickly shut down by referee. McGregor gave away another silly free-kick while Armstrong was booked for diving; both acts clearly demonstrate why Scottish team are desperate for goals but need to change their approach if any hope of progression remains.
Scoring
Scotland were defeated by Hungary in Stuttgart after Kevin Csoboth scored late to seal their early round exit at major tournaments. Steve Clarke’s side only needed one win to remain alive for knockout stage advancement; unfortunately they struggled in attack and defense in their attempt to overcome Hungary’s well-organized side.
The hosts pressed hard and looked dangerous on the counter attack, with Dominik Szoboszlai’s set-piece threats providing them with some hope of scoring goals. Yet their struggles continued as Che Adams missed their first opportunity from close range when his shot hit the bar.
Second half for Scotland was more encouraging but they still failed to create clear-cut chances despite having greater possession. Grant Hanley came close to scoring from a corner header but missed its target; and in the 78th minute substitute Stuart Armstrong ran into the box under contact from Orban, only for referee to not see this incident as worthy of a penalty kick award.
Szoboszlai curled a free kick towards Scotland’s near post, which Gunn easily saved. From then onwards the game grew increasingly chaotic as both teams searched for an advantage; Hungary’s Sallai appeared to score from close range but his goal was correctly called offside by Gunn.
As the match entered stoppage time, an unfortunate collision between Angus Gunn and Barnabas Varga left Gunn injured in the turf. They collided while competing for a high ball; Gunn’s leg became caught under his own bodyweight as they collided while competing. Gunn was taken off on a stretcher while both teams wrapped blankets around him for protection; later confirmed as being stable when taken to hospital in Stuttgart.
Goalscorers
After an even first half in Stuttgart, the second period has seen several opportunities for both teams in Stuttgart. Scotland have managed one shot – McGinn’s cross narrowly missing McTominay at the far post – while Hungary have three attempts. Unfortunately neither side have managed a goal as yet and this match seems set for a deadlock until at least the last minute of play.
Steve Clarke will surely be concerned at Scotland’s lack of attacking intent, while they will likely feel aggrieved that their penalty appeal was denied in the 79th minute after Armstrong ran onto a cross and fell over in a tangle of legs but wasn’t deemed a foul by referee Mike O’Connell.
As time wound down, both teams pressed forward in search of an outcome. Gunn made an excellent save from Szoboszlai’s shot in the opening minute of stoppage time before Csoboth struck the woodwork shortly thereafter when bearing down on goal.
In the final minute, McGregor found space inside the box but his low drive was blocked by Shankland. Hanley then headed across goal but just wide from Shankland’s right wing cross from Shankland.
Hungary were delighted to celebrate a win in their inaugural European Championship finals match since 2012 and book their place in the knockout stage for the first time ever in their history. Scotland, who had never reached this stage at any major tournament before, experienced their hopes diminish considerably after falling at Group A level 2-1 against Hungary. Here is a snapshot of key statistics from this Group A clash.
Substitutions
At stake was qualification to the knockout stages of Euro 2024, and both teams gave everything in an exhilarating final matchup. While neither side managed to break through in the first half, Hungary slowly took control in the second. A scare occurred when Angus Gunn rushed out inadvertently made contact with Barnabas Varga causing him to appear to be knocked unconscious; treatment ensued behind goal before eventually being carried off on a stretcher due to his cheek injury.
As the game neared its conclusion, both sides made changes to their lineups: Scotland brought on Stuart Armstrong for John McGinn while Hungary brought in Roland Sallai and Leventhorpe Kleinheisler. As soon as Hungary broke through Scottish defence with just over one minute remaining Csoboth capped off an amazing counterattack to secure his side the win!
Scotland have barely had a shot during this match. Despite numerous changes from Steve Clarke, they still lack creativity on offense; being forced to play defensively leaves them open on counter attacks; Che Adams had their best opportunity when trying to cut in for McTominay but his shot curled wide of the far post.
Scots are currently playing with two strikers and no centre-backs or defensive midfielders – which presents them with an enormous challenge against Hungary’s strong side. Strikers alone cannot create enough chances for Scotland and they’ll need to switch up their style in order to break through.
Injury time
Scotland was left desperate on Wednesday night against Hungary after suffering two defeats against England and Switzerland respectively, forcing a do-or-die game between them in Stuttgart to qualify for Euro 2024’s knockout stages. They couldn’t manage this and will need other results to determine their fate at Euro 2024.
Scotland were shockingly inept in the first half, creating only one shot on goal – Che Adams’ corner kick. At half time, both teams appeared content to keep playing at a deadlock 0-0 and neither appeared likely to change things in the second half.
Scottish national team’s chances were further hindered when Kieran Tierney went off with an injury after colliding with another opponent inside the box, appearing to sustain head trauma as he was carried off on a stretcher and taken off-field on stretcher – leaving an uphill struggle ahead to reach quarter-finals.
Hungary came back from behind to claim victory late in the 100th minute thanks to Kevin Csoboth’s goal after an aggressive counter-attack from Hungary, shocking Scotland who were playing well but could not break past Gunn. Hungary finished third in Group A but will need the rest of their group members to gain points so they have a shot at being amongst the three best third place finishers and qualifying.
