Hungary sends Scots home with late goal

Germany: Hungary scored the winner in the 100th minute to beat Scotland 1-0 and keep them in contention for a place in the last 16 of the European Championships, while the Scots failed to make it through to another major tournament. Kevin Csoboth’s counterattack goal, with almost the last shot of the game, secured Hungary third place in Group A with three points, while Scotland, who have never reached the knockout stages of the Euros or World Cup, finished bottom with two points.

Hungary will have to wait and see if they qualify for the round of 16 and get one of the places reserved for the best four third-placed teams. Their progress now depends on the results of other groups that go in their favour over the next three days. But for now, Marco Rossi’s team can savour their dramatic victory that saved their hopes just when they thought they were heading home.

“It was incredible. We never achieved anything in the past without suffering a lot. Today was no different. I think we played the game we had to play,” Rossi said.
“We created a lot of opportunities, a lot of situations. We also gave them some (chances). But overall I think I’m right when I say it was a deserved win,” he added.

The game was a chaotic affair and both teams struggled to gain control despite desperately wanting to win to stay in Germany.
Steve Clarke’s Scotland dominated possession in the first 25 minutes but were unable to create any clear-cut chances. In fact, despite having 61% possession in the first half, they did not have a single shot on goal. They finished the game without a single shot on goal.

Meanwhile, Hungary came into the game better and became dangerous through counterattacks and quick transitions. Captain Dominik Szoboszlai was particularly dangerous in set pieces. The midfielder’s free kick at the far post in the 41st minute was received by Willi Orban, who was unmarked, but his weak header from close range grazed the crossbar.
Shortly after the break, Che Adams had the first shot for Scotland, but his shot went over.

Horror collision
Play was halted for a long time in the 68th minute after another Szoboszlai free kick led to a horrific collision between Scottish goalkeeper Angus Gunn and Barnabas Varga. Varga appeared to be unconscious and required urgent treatment. Hungarian players erected blankets around him as they watched him in distress and Szoboszlai burst into tears. The striker was carried off the field on a stretcher to applause from the crowd. He was taken to Stuttgart hospital, the Hungarian Football Association said, adding that his condition was stable.

“It gave us that little extra. Of course we never want to see something like that on a football pitch, but thankfully he is conscious now,” said Hungarian midfielder Callum Styles.

Scotland had appealed for a penalty in the 79th minute, but it was disallowed when substitute Stuart Armstrong ran towards the ball in the box but was tackled by Orban. However, the referee did not consider this a foul. The game became increasingly chaotic as both teams hoped for a winner.
Gunn did well to save Szoboszlai’s shot at the near post in the first minute of added time, while Csoboth hit the post from the right a minute later as he headed towards goal. Scotland surged forward and McTominay slid in at the near post to connect with a low cross, but the ball missed the target. Following a Scottish corner, Hungary launched a quick counterattack up the pitch. A long back pass across the box found Csoboth who slotted the ball home, sending the Hungarian fans into a frenzy and players from the bench streaming in to cheer.

Scotland could only watch dejectedly as their attempt to make history ended in dramatic fashion with the latest goal ever scored in regular time at a European Championship.
“Tonight was devastating, the boys are absolutely devastated. Yes, but it’s up to us to get them back on their feet and that will happen slowly but surely,” said Scotland captain Andy Robertson.
“But we thank the whole country because we felt that everyone was behind us and we knew the excitement at home – I’m sorry for disappointing you.”