Scotland-Hungary, it’s a fight for “survival” in Stuttgart: only a win allows continued hopes of qualification.
Last call for Scotland and Hungary, one step away from elimination when there are 90 minutes left in the group stage of Euro 2024. Winning the direct clash in Stuttgart is the only way to avoid the abyss and thus elimination from the German European Championship. Who is in better shape at the moment is Steve Clarke’s selection, which after the debut debacle with hosts Germany (5-1) managed to win its first point by drawing 1-1 with Switzerland.
A valuable point, which in the event of a win against the Magyars could allow the Tartan Army to re-enter the top four thirds and detach a pass for the round of 16. Hungary, on the other hand, is still pinned at zero points. On the first day Marco Rossi’s men surrendered 3-1 to Switzerland, and on the second day they could do little against a near-perfect Germany (2-0). The only way to get through the group stage is to get the better of Scotland and hope that 3 points will be enough to pass as the best third. A draw, in short, would do neither of them any good. In fact, it would most likely doom them both. Watch also for the goal difference, which is decisive in case of a tied finish. Scotland could still finish second in this grouping, but to overtake Switzerland in the standings, it must win by a landslide against Hungary and, at the same time, trust in a very wide victory by Germany in the challenge with the Swiss.
Scotland-Hungary, Varga could strike again
The draw, as said, serves little purpose. Reason why a potentially goal-rich contest is to be expected, in which both will try to bring home three vital points
As for possible goal scorers, the Scottish defense will have to fear the flair for goal of center forward Varga, who already scored in the first game against Switzerland. The Ferencvaros striker was also one of the most dangerous against Germany (two total shots, including one on goal) and could repeat himself against the Tartan Army. Also trying to create more than one headache for Clarke’s selection will be Szoboszlai, by far the most talented player in the Rossi-coached representative: at least three total shots for the Liverpool-owned trequartista. In Scotland, on the other hand, taking the chestnuts out of the fire could be taken care of again by McTominay, by now a real added striker in the Scottish coach’s schemes.
It is no coincidence that it was he who scored the goal of the momentary lead against the Helvetians. Staying on the shots, tease the Sallai option, confirmed on the three-quarter alongside Szoboszlai, but also watch out for Robertson and McGinn: the latter will play practically in attack alongside center forward Adams.
The Aston Villa captain has scored 18 goals in a national team jersey and will do everything to unlock himself in such an important match. Among the probable cautions we pick three defenders: on one side McKenna of Scotland, who has already received a yellow against the Germans, and Fiola and Schafer of Hungary.
Share comparison
Varga scorer Plus is listed at 2.60 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and 3.25 on Snai. McTominay at least three total shots Plus on the other hand is quoted at 2.00 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and 2.20 on Snai.
