Scotland have played in eight World Cups and three European Championships without playing a single knockout tie. Tonight they have the opportunity to almost confirm progression from a tournament group for the first time with victory over Hungary.
The small element of uncertainty is because of the Euro 2024 format. Bar an unlikely turn of events involving a seven-goal swing with Switzerland, second place in the group is likely to be beyond Scotland’s reach. They will have to rely on being one of the four best third-placed teams, and a win against Hungary would take Steve Clarke’s side to four points. That would surely do it, but it would need to be confirmed once the other groups conclude.Â
For Scotland to draw tonight and still qualify two of the following three things would need to happen: Spain and Italy would both have to win their final games – against Albania and Croatia respectively; Denmark would have to overcome Serbia while England beat Slovenia by four goals; Portugal and Turkey would need closing victories over Georgia and Czech Republic respectively. Though given Scotland’s tournament history, their fans might just fear the worst.
The one thing Scotland do know is that they will be heading home should they slip to defeat. They have lost starting defenders Ryan Porteous and Kieran Tierney to suspension and injury respectively, but were much improved as a unit against Switzerland. Clarke’s midfield had a better balance with Billy Gilmour in there, and Scotland could have won the game but for Grant Hanley’s header hitting the post in the second half.
Hungary were impressive in qualification and came into the tournament on the back of a long unbeaten run, but have so far disappointed. They were a bit of a rabble out of possession in their 3-1 defeat to Switzerland, with gaps every between and behind their midfield line. They were more competitive against Germany but lost. In another worry for Hungary and their coach Marco Rossi, key midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has missed training sessions. This looks doable for Scotland, but they are in for a nervy evening.