In a dramatic turn of events, Kevin Csoboth scored the winning goal in the 10th minute of stoppage time, sending Scotland to the bottom of Group A. However, Scotland’s head coach, Clarke, was more concerned about a penalty decision that was not given earlier in the match. Stuart Armstrong appeared to have been fouled in the box by Hungary’s Willi Orban, but the VAR check deemed it not a penalty, much to Clarke’s confusion and frustration.
Clarke expressed his disappointment with the missed penalty decision, stating, “The goal is almost irrelevant. The moment for me was the penalty. It was 100% a penalty. Someone has to explain to me why it wasn’t a penalty because otherwise I’m thinking there’s something wrong.” He questioned how VAR could overlook such an obvious foul, leaving him puzzled by the outcome.
With only one point before the game, Scotland needed a win to secure qualification for the last 16. Similarly, Hungary, who had lost both their previous matches, were also desperate for a win to keep their tournament hopes alive. The high stakes led to a tense and cautious game until the dying moments when both teams pushed for the crucial goal.
The heartbreaking defeat for Scotland came in the form of Hungary’s last-minute winner, a result of a swift counter-attack from a Scottish corner. Clarke described it as a “sad” ending to the competition, acknowledging that it was always going to be a tight margin. The players shared in the disappointment, with captain Andy Robertson expressing that it would take a long time to come to terms with the loss.
Reflecting on the match, Robertson admitted that Scotland’s lack of cutting edge in front of goal cost them dearly. Despite having possession, especially in the first half, Scotland failed to capitalize on their opportunities, ultimately falling short in their quest for a victory. The defeat dashed Scotland’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages of a major tournament once again, leaving the players devastated for letting down the supporters.
In other Group A action, Germany secured the top spot with a 1-1 draw against Switzerland, thanks to Niclas Fullkrug’s late equalizer. The Swiss finished in second place, setting up an intriguing knockout stage for both teams. Hungary’s victory over Scotland kept their hopes alive, although their goal difference makes qualification for the next round an unlikely prospect.
As the tournament progresses, fans can catch all the action on discovery+, the exclusive streaming platform for the Olympic Games, including the upcoming Paris 2024 games. Stay tuned for more thrilling moments and gripping matches as the best teams from around the world compete for glory on the biggest stage in football.
