Hungary Edges Scotland 1-0 to Keep Euro 2024 Knockout Hopes Alive

A stoppage-time goal propelled Hungary to a 1-0 victory over Scotland at the European Championship on Sunday, dashing Scotland's hopes of advancing to the knockout stage of a major tournament for the first time.

Kevin Csoboth, a late substitute, scored his first international goal in the 10th minute of stoppage time, securing Hungary's third spot in Group A, behind Germany and Switzerland.

The match was marred by a significant injury to Hungary forward Barnabás Varga midway through the second half. Varga, who suffered multiple facial fractures, was taken to the hospital and will likely require surgery. He will miss the remainder of the tournament should Hungary progress as one of the four best third-place teams—a decision pending until the final round of group games concludes on Wednesday.

“It was terrible. Was a terrible moment to see Barnabás like that,” Hungary midfielder Roland Sallai said. “Fortunately, he's in a much better condition ... We cross our fingers for him, that he can return quickly.

“Naturally, it was a terrible incident. Of course, we were fighting for him in the remaining 15-20 minutes, and we would have liked to win for him and we were very happy we could achieve that. And yes, this we dedicate to him.”

The incident occurred when Varga collided with Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn. His teammates used blankets to shield him as medical staff attended to his injuries. Both sets of fans applauded when Varga was stretchered off after a 10-minute delay.

Germany topped the group after securing a late goal to draw 1-1 with Switzerland.

Scotland, finishing last in the group with just one point from a draw against Switzerland, was eliminated. They suffered a 5-1 defeat by Germany in their opening match of Euro 2024.

The Scottish players were incensed when their penalty appeals were denied late in the game after Stuart Armstrong was brought down by Willi Orbán. Argentinian referee Facundo Tello did not award the penalty.

“100% penalty. Somebody somewhere has to explain to me why that's not a penalty,” Scotland coach Steve Clarke said. “It's 100%. And like I say, it's a one-goal game, we get a penalty, can be a different night. I've got other words, but I'm not going to use them.

“European competition might have been better to have a European referee, but we had European VAR. And maybe the referee didn't see the challenge clearly on the pitch so what's the purpose of the VAR if they're not going to come in on something like that. It was a penalty.”

Despite the urgency for a win from both teams in Stuttgart, chances were scarce.

Scotland dominated possession but struggled to break down Hungary's defense.

Hungary gained momentum and nearly scored four minutes before halftime. Although the flag might have gone up for offside, Willi Orbán's header from a Dominik Szoboszlai free kick hit the crossbar and went out for a goal kick.

Scotland ended the first half with 64% possession but no attempts on goal. Hungary had five.

Scotland's first shot came in the 53rd minute, but Ché Adams' effort went over the bar.

Csoboth, brought on in the 86th minute, almost made an immediate impact, hitting the far post from a tight angle.

In a frenetic 10 minutes of stoppage time, both goalkeepers were forced into saves before Csoboth clinched the win.

Csoboth initiated the counterattack, finding an unmarked Roland Sallai before sprinting into the area to receive the return pass and slot into the near corner, sparking wild celebrations among Hungary's players and fans.

The Scottish players fell to the ground in disappointment.

“Tonight and for a long time we have to get over this,” Scotland captain Andy Robertson told the BBC. “It's a tough one. It's devastating. All the lads are absolutely gutted. I will say thank you to all the supporters; sorry for letting you all down.”