Scotland’s Euro 2024 Hopes Dashed in Controversial Defeat to Hungary

Scotland’s dream of advancing in Euro 2024 was shattered following a dramatic 1-0 defeat to Hungary on Sunday. Kevin Csoboth’s last-minute goal in the 10th minute of stoppage time sent Scotland to the bottom of Group A, leaving fans and players heartbroken. However, it was not the late goal that dominated the post-match discussions but a contentious penalty decision that left Scotland boss Steve Clarke perplexed.

In the 80th minute, Stuart Armstrong appeared to have been fouled in the box by Hungary’s Willi Orban. The Scottish forward skipped past Orban before the defender grappled him, causing both players to tumble. Despite a subsequent VAR review, the challenge was deemed not worthy of a penalty, a decision that left Clarke and the Scottish supporters bewildered.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Clarke expressed his frustration: “The goal comes as a consequence of us trying to win the game. The goal is almost irrelevant. The moment for me was the penalty. It was 100 percent a penalty. Someone has to explain to me why it wasn’t a penalty because otherwise I’m thinking there’s something wrong. I don’t understand how VAR can look at that and say it’s not a penalty.”

The decision overshadowed the match and the fact that Scotland had failed to secure the necessary points to progress. Clarke added, “We didn’t manage to get the goal. We opened up at the end to try and get it. The overriding feeling is to be sad for everybody, for the supporters and the country, and the players are just as sad as everyone else.”

Scotland captain Andy Robertson echoed Clarke’s sentiments, highlighting the emotional toll of the defeat. “There’s nothing really to say, to be honest. We gave it everything. We had a lot of possession, first half, without doing anything with it. We had to find that cutting edge and go for it a wee bit more. We did go for it, but we got sucker-punched. A draw wasn’t going to be enough realistically.”

Robertson acknowledged the difficulty of moving past such a disappointing result: “Tonight and for a long time we have to get over this. 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.”

In other Group A action, Niclas Fullkrug’s last-gasp equaliser against Switzerland ensured a 1-1 draw, allowing Germany to finish at the top of the group with Switzerland in second place. Hungary’s victory, while momentous, leaves them with a slim chance of reaching the knockout stages due to their -3 goal difference.

As Scotland reflects on another missed opportunity to break their streak of never reaching the knockout stages of a major tournament, the controversy surrounding the penalty decision will undoubtedly linger in the minds of the team and their supporters for some time.