Prediction: Scotland vs Hungary

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 57/20

Bookmaker: BetUS

Both needing a win to keep their hopes of reaching Euro 2024’s knockout phase alive, Group A rivals Scotland and Hungary clash in Stuttgart on Sunday evening.

Scotland earned their first point by drawing with Switzerland in their last outing after getting thrashed by Germany, whereas Hungary are still without a point and face likely elimination unless they can pull off a miracle, having lost to both Switzerland and Germany.

Scotland

In a bid to restore pride and stay in contention for the Euro 2024 knockout stages, Scotland secured a 1-1 draw against Switzerland in midweek.

Following a demoralizing 5-1 loss to Germany on opening night, Steve Clarke’s squad took an early lead in the 13th minute when Scott McTominay’s deflected shot found the net.

But Xherdan Shaqiri soon capitalized on an Anthony Ralston error, curling a stunning strike into the top corner to equalize for Switzerland. Grant Hanley later hit the post, and despite some defensive scares, Scotland held on for a point.

This result means that Scotland could still advance by defeating Hungary on Sunday. Clarke’s primary goal this summer has been to reach the knockout rounds of a major tournament for the first time. Finishing third in Group A might be sufficient to achieve this, depending on other results.

To potentially secure second place, Scotland must not only win but also hope for a significant Swiss defeat to Germany. Historically, this will be challenging, as Scotland have won just two of their 11 matches at the European Championships.

Team News

Scotland’s starting XI against Switzerland amassed a record 470 caps, marking their most experienced lineup in men’s international play. For their crucial clash on Sunday, Clarke is likely to field a similarly seasoned team.

However, key defender Kieran Tierney is out with a hamstring injury sustained midweek and will miss the rest of the tournament. Additionally, Ryan Porteous is unavailable due to a two-match suspension following his red card against Germany.

Scott McKenna is expected to replace Tierney in the Tartan Army’s back three. Meanwhile, Bournemouth midfielder Ryan Christie and Hearts forward Lawrence Shankland are competing for spots in the starting lineup, potentially moving up from the bench.

Hungary

Hungary have failed to secure a win in their last eight European Championship matches, and another failure this weekend would tie them with the longest winless streak in the competition’s history.

In fact, the Magyars have won just one of their last 17 encounters against European nations in major tournaments, following consecutive losses at the start of their Group A campaign.

Heading into Euro 2024 with high hopes after just one defeat in their previous 16 matches across all competitions, Marco Rossi’s team now faces the prospect of an early exit.

Defeated 3-1 by Switzerland in their opener and 2-0 by the hosts on Wednesday, Hungary cannot finish in the top two and will be unable to reach the last 16 if they do not beat Scotland. Even then, a mere three points are unlikely to qualify them as one of the best third-placed teams, making their prospects appear grim.

Team News

Rossi might opt to rotate his squad, given that they have little to lose and are expected to go on the offensive against Scotland.

Hungary will likely stick to their 3-4-2-1 formation, but several players, including Loic Nego, Callum Styles, and South Korea-based striker Martin Adam, are candidates to be introduced into the starting lineup.

Captain Dominik Szoboszlai will continue to drive the team forward from midfield, with either Martin Adam or Barnabas Varga – the latter having scored Hungary’s sole goal in the tournament thus far – set to lead the attack upfront.

Conclusion

With both pride and the slim chance of advancing to the last 16 on the line in Stuttgart, both teams will surely go all out to win.

Hungary’s hopes are faint, but they possess enough attacking prowess to challenge Scotland’s vulnerable defence and could prove the downfall of the Tartan Army by preventing them from securing a win.

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 57/20

Bookmaker: BetUS