In a dramatic turn of events,
Kevin Csoboth
scored a crucial goal in the 10th minute of added time, securing a 1-0 victory for
Hungary
over
Scotland
in their
Euro 2024
match. The goal came after a distressing incident involving Hungarian striker
Barnabas Varga
, who suffered a serious injury and had to be stretchered off the field.
The Hungarian Football Federation provided an update shortly after the match, stating that Varga was in a "stable condition" and receiving treatment at a hospital in Stuttgart.
The incident evoked painful memories of Christian Eriksen's collapse during Euro 2020, where Danish players formed a protective circle around him after he suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch.
Csoboth paid tribute to his injured teammate by holding up Varga's shirt during his goal celebration. The late winner kept Hungary's hopes alive in the tournament, as they continue to fight for a spot in the last 16 of Euro 2024.
"Of course we were fighting for him in the remaining 15-20 minutes. We wanted to win for him and we dedicate the win to him," Hungary attacker Roland Sallai was quoted as saying by Reuters.
Scotland's attempt to progress beyond the group stage in a major competition for the first time ended in heartbreak. They were pushing hard for a crucial goal that would have seen them through, but were ultimately undone by a late counter-attack.
"It was always a one-goal game," said Scotland coach Steve Clarke. "We didn't manage to get the goal, we opened up at the end to try and get it."
Scotland's campaign concluded with a disappointing result, leaving them at the bottom of Group A with a solitary point. The Scots' quest for their first victory in the tournament since 1996 continues.
Manager Steve Clarke was forced to make a change in his starting lineup, with Scott McKenna stepping in for the injured Kieran Tierney, who was stretchered off during the 1-1 draw with Switzerland. On the other hand, Hungary made two alterations, with Callum Styles and Endre Botka earning their first starts of the tournament.
Hungary entered the Euros on the back of an impressive 14-match unbeaten streak, which included victories over England and Germany in the UEFA Nations League. However, consecutive losses had dented their confidence, and they needed a win against Scotland to maintain their chances of progressing to the knockout stages.
In the end, Germany secured the top spot in Group A following a 1-1 draw with Switzerland, who advanced as runners-up. Hungary's fate now depends on the results of other groups, as they hope to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn parried a challenging, dipping shot from Bendeguz Bolla, while Styles and Willi Orban received bookings for fouling McGinn in a first half filled with effort but few clear opportunities.
However, Che Adams' risky clearance resulted in a Hungary free-kick from 25 yards, which Dominik Szoboszlai curled towards the far post, with Orban's header narrowly missing the crossbar.
Szoboszlai, who overcame injury concerns after missing Hungary's final team training session, blasted a long-range effort over the bar. Scotland only managed their first shot in the 53rd minute.
Scotland's defense stood firm as Jack Hendry blocked Sallai's attempt when he cut in from the left, and Marton Dardai headed over from a cross.
A terrifying incident occurred when Varga lay motionless on his back in the Scotland area as he attempted to head a free-kick goalwards, with Gunn rushing out and Anthony Ralston also falling to the ground.
The game was halted for an extended period as medics placed Varga in the recovery position before covering him with a sheet and carrying him off on a stretcher.
Scotland had a penalty appeal controversially dismissed after Stuart Armstrong was brought down by Orban, and the fourth official signaled 10 minutes of added time.
Both teams frantically sought the winning goal during the stoppage time.
Gunn made excellent saves from Andras Schafer and Szoboszlai, while Csoboth hit the post. Scotland defender Grant Hanley had a chance saved by Peter Gulacsi, and Hungary quickly counterattacked, with Csoboth guiding home Sallai's cutback to shatter Scottish hopes.
English (US) ·