June 23 – In a final group game that took a nasty head injury to seemingly spark it into life with 25 minutes to play, Hungary shattered the impressive and vocal Tartan Army’s dreams with a goal in the 10th minute of added time to win 1-0.
It was a match that struggled to find life and looked set to be overshadowed by a head injury to Hungarian striker Barnabas Vargas who was felled in a clash with Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn.
There was a 10-minute delay as medical staff worked on Vargas behind a curtain before he was stretchered off, still behind the curtain. Vargas looked to have been knocked out before he hit the ground and was taken to hospital. Initial reports following the final whistle were that he was in a stable condition and conscious.
The injury marked a change in tempo and intensity in a game that had failed to spark despite its importance to both teams.
Hungary and Scotland have played each other nine times but this is the first time in a competitive match.
A win for Scotland would give them four points and a chance of progression to the last 16. A win for Hungary would give them three – they lost to Switzerland and Germany in their first two games – and in the mix for one of the four best third-placed slots.
Scotland opened the stronger with Hungary sitting deep, content to look for counter attacks.
John McGinn was at the centre of Scotland’s challenge
Angus Gunn in Scotland’s goal was in action early, saving low to his right. It was to be the only shot the half.
John McGinn was at his combative was at the centre of the Scottish effort and picking up free kicks for his trouble. Billy Gilmour and Andy Robertson, twice, wasted the advantage with poor delivery.
Willi Orban was a physical presence in Hungary’s defence while Dominik Szoboszlai was a real threat on the ball.
The Scots dominated possession, at one point wth over 80% but dropping to about 64% by half time.
But in truth this was to be a half to forget.
Meanwhile in…
Source link : https://www.insideworldfootball.com/2024/06/23/no-scotland-no-party-hungary-send-tartan-army-home/
Author : Paul Nicholson
Publish date : 2024-06-23 21:43:33
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.