Kevin Csoboth scored in the 10th minute of added time after Barnabas Varga suffered a frightening ιnjury, as Hungary defeated Scotland 1-0 to remain in contention for a place in the Euro 2024 round of 16.
A sickening incident resulted in Hungary striker Varga being stretchered off in front of his visibly shocked teammates in the second half, but Csoboth’s late winner kept them in the tournament.
Varga was in “stable condition” in a Stuttgart hospital, according to the Hungarian Football Federation shortly after the match on Sunday.
The incident brought back chilling memories of Christian Eriksen’s collapse at Euro 2020, when Denmark players shielded him from the cameras and fans in the stadium after he suffered a cardiac arrest.
Csoboth dedicated the goal to Varga by holding up his injured teammate’s shirt during the celebration.
“Of course, we fought for him in the final 15-20 minutes. “We wаnted to win for him and dedicate the victory to him,” said Hungary attacker Roland Sallai.
Scotland’s first attempt to reach the knockout stage of a major tournament came to a halt when they were caught out pressing for a goal of their own right at the end.
“It was always a one-goal game,” explained Scotland coach Steve Clarke. “We didn’t manage to get the goal, we opened up at the end to try and get it.”
Germany finished first in Group A after a 1-1 draw with Switzerland, who will advance as runners-up. Hungary must rely on other results to advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
Scotland finished last with just one point, continuing their wait for their first European Championship win since 1996.
Clarke made one forced change for Scotland, with Scott McKenna replacing Kieran Tierney, who was stretchered off with a hamstring ιnjury in the 1-1 draw with Switzerland.
Callum Styles, an Englishman, was given the start in Hungary’s midfield after recovering from an ιnjury, while Endre Botka made his first appearance of the tournament on the right side of a back three.
John McGinn revealed that the team skipped their pre-match nap as thousands of Scotland fans gathered outside the hotel, singing songs in anticipation of what they hoped would be a historic night.
Hungary arrived at the Euros with higher expectations following a 14-match unbeaten streak from November 2022 to March of this year. They also defeated England twice in the previous UEFA Nations League, as well as Germany away.
However, back-to-back defeats had shattered confidence, leaving Marco Rossi’s side needing to defeat Scotland to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds.
Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn pushed away a dipping drive from Bendeguz Bolla that bounced awkwardly in front of him, while Styles and Willi Orban were both booked for fouling McGinn in a first half full of effort but few genuine opportunities.
Che Adams’ dangerous clearance, however, resulted in a Hungary free-kιck from 25 yards out, which Dominik Szoboszlai clipped towards the far post, with Orban’s header skimming the top of the crossbar.
Szoboszlai, who shrugged off ιnjury concerns after missing Hungary’s final team training session, Һit a long-range strike, and Scotland did not register a shot until the 53rd minute.
Scotland defended tenaciously, with Jack Hendry blocking Sallai’s attempt after shifting in from the left, and Marton Dardai heading over a cross.
A terrifying moment left Varga prone on his back in the Scotland area as he attempted to head a free kιck goalwards, while Gunn flew out and Anthony Ralston crashed to the ground.
It caused a lengthy pause as medics placed Varga in the recovery position before wrapping a sheet around him and carrying him off on a stretcher.
Scotland had a penalty appeal turned down after Stuart Armstrong went down under a challenge from Orban, before the fourth official signaled 10 minutes of stoppage time.
That sparked a desperate search by both teams for the winning goal.
Gunn made some excellent saves against Andras Schafer and Szoboszlai before Csoboth Һit the post. Scotland defender Grant Hanley had a chance saved by Peter Gulacsi, but Hungary raced up the other end, with Csoboth converting Sallai’s cutback to break Scottish hearts.