The devastated Scots would have had a slim hope of progression had they held on for a draw, but their defeat extends their 70-year run to reach the knockout stages of a major tournament. Up to 100,000 Scottish fans were estimated to be in Stuttgart for their biggest game in a generation, with the city even creating extra fan parks and viewing areas to satisfy demand. Steve Clarke had admitted that he didn’t think a draw was going to be enough to eventually secure a best third-place finisher spot, and there was an intent to the Scots in the early stages with John McGinn to the fore as they controlled possession. Hungary were quick to serve notice of their intent though as a counter-attack ended with Bendeguz Bolla’s shot from range that bounced in front of Angus Gunn who held on.

McGinn was always Scotland’s outlet as he looked for any way around or more often through his opponents, but he was fouled five times in an attritional first half hour alone with Hungary’s Callum Styles – Bury-born to Scottish parents – and Wilil Orban booked. Scotland weren’t making the most of their set-pieces though, with specialist coach Austin MacPhee cutting a disconsolate figure on the touchline after two poor Andy Robertson deliveries. At the other end Dominik Szoboszlai had a free-kick deflected over before Ronald Sallai blazed over. There was an inherent extra threat from Hungary though, and with his next free-kick Szoboszlai cleverly clipped one to the back post that Orban headed against the top of the bar, although VAR would have intervened if he’d scored.

The half could perhaps be best summed up by a no-holds barred challenge between Jack Hendry and Andras Schafer which ended with the latter becoming the third Hungarian in the book. Scott McTominay would be the first Scot to join him in the second half, before the Tartan Army finally saw a shot in anger as Che Adams blazed over. Szoboszlai’s clever corner then led to a cross from Bolla which was headed over by Marton Dardai. Then all thoughts turned to the health of Varga after he was caught by the arm of Gunn as he challenged for a free-kick.

Gunn punched the ball with his follow through catching the forward, who lay motionless on the ground. Visibly distressed, Hungary’s players urged the medics to attend to the Ferencvaros forward, with sheets lifted up to shield him from view as he was taken off. Soon after substitute Stuart Armstrong was appealing for a penalty, but the game was tilted toward the Scotland goal in the closing moments. Szoboszlai brought a save from Gunn from an angle, and then substitute Csoboth hit the post.

He would soon have his moment though, slotting home from Sallai’s cross to spark Hungarian delirium and leave Scotland shattered. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.