Euro 2024: Scotland vs Hungary tips and predictions – Scots one win away from ending tournament curse
- Seb Sternik
- 23 June 2024
The day of reckoning has arrived for Scotland as Steve Clarke’s men prepare to take on Hungary this Saturday night (2000 BST).
Scotland has never progressed past the group stage of a major international tournament. Fact.
Since 1954, the Scots have qualified for eight World Cups and four European Championships. This Saturday, Clarke’s men can break new ground and reach the knockout stages for the very first time.
Standing in the way of the Tartan Army is a determined Hungarian side. After two straight defeats, Marco Rossi’s men still have a slender shot at progression but nothing short of a victory will do.
The Hungarians lost both their games against Germany and Switzerland by a two-goal margin as their defence crumbled in those encounters.
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Scotland will be hoping to probe that back line even further considering they have nothing to lose.
Scott McTominay and John McGinn are certainly capable of getting on the scoresheet. The midfield pair have 27 international goals between them.
Scotland’s footballer of the year Lawrence Shankland scored 31 goals for Hearts last season, while Che Adams bagged 18 in Southampton’s promotion season.
Hungary, who lost just one of 16 matches leading into the Euros, have underdelivered at this tournament and we’re backing Scotland to send them packing.
Clarke’s men will have unbelievable support from the Tartan Army in Stuttgart and after their 1-1 draw with Switzerland, the team will have plenty of newly-found confidence.
Looking at the betting, back both teams to score and Scotland to win.
Team news
Scotland are without Kieran Tierney who suffered a hamstring injury. Ryan Porteous, meanwhile, is suspended.
Hungary could bring in Loic Nego, Callum Styles and Martin Adam as they look to shake things up. Dominic Szoboszlai missed training in the week but expect the Liverpool man to play some sort of role.
Key stats
- Scotland have never progressed past the group stage of a major tournament
- Hungary lost back-to-back international matches for the first time in three years
- Scott McTominay became the sixth Scot to score at the Euros
- Hungary failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven competitive games
