NO matter how tense Scotland’s crucial clash with Hungary gets, they must hope the referee doesn’t repeat a jaw-dropping feat he pulled off two years ago.
Argentinian Facundo Tello is the only non-Uefa whistler at Euro 2024.
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And he’s taken with him to Germany one of the most remarkable red-card counts ever seen in a single game.
Tello once sent off TEN players, including seven from one side, Boca Juniors.
The Champions Trophy final in his home country back in November 2022 descended into chaos after a goal two minutes from the end of extra time.
And rules meant the contest had to be abandoned once Boca picked up the fifth of their seen dismissals.
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Racing Club snatched a late 2-1 lead through a Carlos Alcaraz header.
However, the midfielder sparked a volley of abuse by celebrating in front of the Boca fans – and for a long time.
That led to a melee, a spree of sendings-off and Tello blowing the final whistle early – although Racing’s victory stood.
Scotland will certainly need calmer heads than Boca’s if they are to reach the knockout phase of a major competition for the first time.
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To even just give themselves hope, the Scots must beat Hungary and pray that Germany defeat Switzerland.
It’s Tello’s second game in charge at the finals.
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EURO 2024 has something for everyone from stunning goals, thrilling matches… and the continent’s biggest hunks, writes Jack Figg.
Several stars have lit up the group stages with their skills on the pitch – but others are also catching the eye for their looks.
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Thankfully AI boffins have carried out an analysis on the facial attractiveness of all players at the tournament.
And it’s bad news for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions who are the fourth UGLIEST in the competition – one place below Scotland.
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The 42-year-old dished out three yellow cards – and no reds – in Turkey’s 3-1 victory over Georgia last Tuesday.
However, he is already notorious to some of the biggest stars at the Euros.
Portugal legends Bruno Frenandes and Pepe accused him of bias after their shock 1-0 World Cup exit to Morocco in Qatar.
That was just a month after his 10-red tornado in his home country!
But the blast from Fernandes and Co appeared to lack substance.
The Manchester United midfielder moaned it was “unacceptable” for an Argentinian to officiate when his nation was still in the tournament.
Fernandes also claimed Tello wasn’t up to it as he had never reffed in the Champions League.
The Red Devils’ skipper reckoned officials without such experience are “not used to this type of game, they don’t have the pace for this”.
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Now Scotland must hope that they at least have the pace to threaten the Hungarians…
Scotland Euro 2024 guide
QUALIFYING for back-to-back Euros is an achievement in itself and the Tartan Army are sure to make the most of it.
The Scots recorded a famous 2-0 win over Spain in qualifying, but come into the Euros off the back of seven games without a win.
MANAGER: Steve Clarke
Only Jock Stein, Andy Roxburgh and Craig Brown have managed Scotland in more games than Jose Mourinho’s former assistant.
STAR MAN: John McGinn
The Aston Villa star has reached new levels under Unai Emery’s tutelage and is crucial to a midfield that provides most of Scotland’s goals.
How Scotland attack
Scotland’s three-man midfield will be crucial with the likes of McGinn and Scott McTominay providing lung-busting runs and coming up with most of the goals.
Target man Lyndon Dykes is set to be a big miss with Che Adams likely to step in as the lone striker in a 5-4-1 formation.
How Scotland defend
Scotland will put ten men behind the ball in a deep 5-4-1 block out of possession.
They will work extremely hard to deny the opposition central spaces between the lines, forcing them to resort to wide play and crosses which the Scots feel more comfortable defending.
Read the full Scotland Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
