The goal from Kevin Csoboth in the ninth minute of extra time has given Hungary a fighting shot at moving forward into the knockout stages of the thrilling European Championships. In usual fashion, Scotland are heading back home to consider their next move.
The final game saw the Scots relentlessly attempting to make something out of half-opportunities, to the weary anticipation of their loyal supporters. Hopes were pinned on the Tartan Army maybe managing to out-play Hungarian Goalkeeper, Peter Gulacsi, with a single on-target shot. But sadly, even with the extended 10-minute injury time, due to a major injury sustained by Hungarian forward Barnabás Varga, that moment never came.
During the extra time, Lewis Morgan made an attempt to assist Scott McTominay, however the Manchester United midfielder launched the ball into the forbidding unknown. Csoboth then found the back of the net, helping Hungary end up third in the group with three points and a goal difference of minus three.
Interestingly, it has been about re-establishing a connection to a continent for the Scottish and the Turks, groups that don’t naturally belong there. The Scottish, in particular, came in droves to Germany, proudly donning their kilts, providing fun and merriment.
Scottland’s collective default to the English, making them an easy crowd favourite, was demonstrated when they effectively booed the playing of ‘Sweet Caroline’ by a UEFA DJ, until it was stopped. The Championships have been a lesson in differentiating English from British identity for Europeans, encapsulated in the four-word song: “No Scotland, No Party.”
Even though the Scots have been a symbol of fun-spirited, non-violent enthusiasm, referencing only their anthem Flower of Scotland’s historical resistance against “Lord Edward’s army” in the 13th century, their performance on the field has been disappointing. With only two goals to their credit and a whopping seven against, it has not been their tournament thus far.
Scots have shown up at every alternate Group match in various assemblies, ushering in hearty laughter amongst the Germans, Italians, and Spaniards. Befriending initially apprehensive parties from Albania, Poland, and Serbia, they relish these rare, summer excursions.
This emotional journey comes to an end in Stuttgart – a city reminiscent of Ireland’s introduction to major tournaments. On the 12th of June, 36 years prior, at this very site, the Republic of Ireland, led by Jack Charlton, tasted global triumph as they defeated England 1-0, thanks to a goal by Ray Houghton, a native of Glasgow.
At the 1990 World Cup in Italy, Ireland succeeded where Scotland continually faltered – making it to the knockout rounds. They even defeated Romania on penalties, but ultimately fell to the hosts in Rome, losing by 1-0.
Under the guidance of Robertson, the current Scottish ensemble has been vocal about their aim to break away from the legacy of the squads of 1954, 1958, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1992, 1996, 1998 and 2021.
However, their efforts were unsuccessful. Each of these Scottish sides has endured the sting of failing to progress beyond the group stages of significant tournaments. After a crushing 5-1 defeat to Germany in Munich on their first night, they regrouped to secure a 1-1 draw against Switzerland, powered by a brilliant goal from Scott McTominay.
Nonetheless, Hungary was not amenable to a narrative of the game designed by Irvine Welsh.
In the early stages, Angus Gunn was put to the test by a 30-yard shot from Bendeguz Bolla, only for Gunn to parry the ball and recover.
Although the classical formation of four defenders has found favour in this Euro, it was not used in this match. Instead, both teams opted for three centre-backs, spurring on John McGinn and McTominay to move alongside Che Adams as Scotland employed a 3-4-3 formation.
Clarke’s squad had their ambition put to the test in the match against Hungary. A notable strategy by the Hungarians, coached by the Italian Marco Rossi, was to keep a tight defence whilst preparing to attack with eight players, going for a sudden strike whenever the Scots lost control of the ball. This tactic worked well against them in Dublin earlier this year, with Troy Parrott netting the deciding goal. However, against teams such as Germany and Switzerland, it proved ineffective.
Against Scotland, the Hungarians initiated with send several players from the left of the centre circle to pursue Roland Sallai’s high ball. The Scots quickly dispersed this unusual strategy. Hungary demonstrated aggression, too, leading Argentinian referee Facundo Tello to issue three yellow cards in the first half alone. One of these was for Callum Styles from England, who made a reckless tackle on McGinn.
However, a common narrative of the their games is Scotland’s struggle to create goal-scoring opportunities.
The only standout world-class player was Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai. His exceptional free-kick narrowly missed the sweet reward of a goal when Orban’s header skimmed the crossbar.
The game took a worrying turn when Varga collapsed in the Scottish six-yard box after colliding with Scottish defender Anthony Ralston and goalkeeper Angus Gunn, causing the stadium to fall silent. Immediate medical attention was given on the pitch, followed by a VAR check for a penalty.
The match ended with Hungary emerging superior, with Csoboth hitting a post and ultimately finding the back of the net for a victory.
Scotland’s team included: Gunn, Hendry, Hanley, McKenna, Ralston, who was later replaced by McLean, Gilmour replaced by Christie, McGregor, Andrew Robertson swapped for Morgan, McTominay, McGinn, who was swapped for Armstrong and Adams who was replaced by Shankland.
The line-up for Hungary in the match included Gulacsi, Botka, Orban, Dardai, who was switched with Szalai in the 74th minute. Bolla was replaced by Csoboth in the 86th minute. Schafer, Styles, who was swapped with A Nagy at the 61st minute mark, and Kerkez, who made way for Z Nagy at 86 minutes, also featured. Sallai, Szoboszlai, and Varga, who was substituted for Adam in the 74th minute, were also part of the team. The match was overseen by referee Facundo Tello of Argentina.