Scotland have performed in eight World Cups and three European Championships with out taking part in a single knockout tie. Tonight they’ve the chance to virtually affirm development from a event group for the primary time with victory over Hungary.
The small ingredient of uncertainty is due to the Euro 2024 format. Bar an unlikely flip of occasions involving a seven-goal swing with Switzerland, second place within the group is more likely to be past Scotland’s attain. They should depend on being one of many 4 finest third-placed groups, and a win towards Hungary would take Steve Clarke’s aspect to 4 factors. That will certainly do it, however it could have to be confirmed as soon as the opposite teams conclude.Â
For Scotland to attract tonight and nonetheless qualify two of the next three issues would want to occur: Spain and Italy would each must win their remaining video games – towards Albania and Croatia respectively; Denmark must overcome Serbia whereas England beat Slovenia by 4 targets; Portugal and Turkey would want closing victories over Georgia and Czech Republic respectively. Although given Scotland’s event historical past, their followers would possibly simply concern the worst.
The one factor Scotland do know is that they are going to be heading residence ought to they slip to defeat. They’ve misplaced beginning defenders Ryan Porteous and Kieran Tierney to suspension and harm respectively, however had been a lot improved as a unit towards Switzerland. Clarke’s midfield had a greater steadiness with Billy Gilmour in there, and Scotland might have gained the sport however for Grant Hanley’s header hitting the put up within the second half.
Hungary had been spectacular in qualification and got here into the event on the again of a protracted unbeaten run, however have to this point upset. They had been a little bit of a rabble out of possession of their 3-1 defeat to Switzerland, with gaps each between and behind their midfield line. They had been extra aggressive towards Germany however misplaced. In one other fear for Hungary and their coach Marco Rossi, key midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has missed coaching periods. This seems to be doable for Scotland, however they’re in for a nervy night.
