SCOTLAND know a win over Hungary will almost certainly clinch their spot in the last 16 of Euro 2024.
Steve Clarke’s men got a point on the board on Wednesday as they earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Switzerland.
The result leaves them third heading into their final group game as they continue to search for that illusive victory.
But they are coming up against a Hungary side in need of the same.
Marco Rossi’s men were tipped to be one of the dark horses for the tournament.
However, back-to-back losses at the hands of Switzerland and Germany leave them bottom of Group A ahead of the Scotland clash.
Anything other than three points will see them exit the Euros before the knockout stages, so it is a match both sides desperately need to win.
Clarke has one particular selection headache after a huge injury blow in the Switzerland match.
But the Scotland boss remained positive following their draw, while Hungary head coach Rossi had some strong words for his players ahead of their group-stage decider.
Here is everything you need to know for the match.
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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
Hungary Euro 2024 guide
A DECADE ago Hungary’s glory days seemed gone forever, but they’ve now qualified for three European Championships in a row.
A 4-0 win away to England and an unbeaten qualifying campaign shows how dangerous the Hungarians can be on their day.
MANAGER: Marco Rossi
One of five Italian coaches at Euro 2024, Rossi has been granted Hungarian citizenship after revitalising the national team during his six years in charge.
STAR MAN: Dominik Szoboszlai
Hungary’s captain had a fine start to life at Liverpool before getting injured and losing his form.
How Hungary attack
Hungary will slow things down in possession as they look to draw an opposition press.
From there, they will then tend to his a longer ball over the top of through the opposition defence.
How Hungary defend
Hungary will tend to split their press with three players engaging the opposition defence on the ball and the rest sitting deep.
When this is unsuccessful, it can lead to the opposition finding plenty of space to attack.
Read the full Hungary Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags
What does their form look like?
Scotland come into the clash with Hungary having won just once in their last 11 games.
Their opening game of the Euros was a disaster as they were thrashed 5-1 by Germany in an insipid display.
But they did show signs of improvement in the draw with Switzerland, a performance they will be hoping to build on.
Hungary came into the tournament off the back of four wins out of five games.
However, back-to-back defeats at the hands of Switzerland and Germany – scoring once and conceding five – have left them in a desperate situation.
They will be clinging to moments of positivity shown against the Germans, but ultimately things are looking bleak.
What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?
Kieran Tierney was stretchered off against Switzerland and will play no part in this one.
Ryan Porteous is still suspended after being sent off in Scotland’s opener against Germany.
Scott McKenna is expected to replace Tierney as the only change to Clarke’s side.
Hungary made two changes to their XI for the defeat to Germany, but are set to keep their team the same for the Scotland game.
They have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the match.
Who will be the star men?
Scott McTominay
Scotland’s goal against Switzerland may have come against the run of play and taken a heavy deflection, but it still showed the impressive instincts of Scott McTominay.
The Manchester United midfielder is always in and around the box at the right time for his country, something they will be relying on again on Sunday.
Dominik Szoboszlai
Liverpool man Dominik Szoboszlai showcased his impressive dead ball delivery against Germany, even if they came to nothing.
Games like these are often decided by a moment of quality and a corner or free-kick from their talisman could prove crucial in dictating the outcome of this key match.
What have the managers said?
Clarke praised his side after earning a draw against Switzerland on Wednesday.
He said: “This is the way we have been playing as a team over the last three or four years.
“It’s why we are here at a tournament. We knew what we had to do. It was a good team performance against a good opponent.
“We are going to feel a lot better going into the next game on the back of that performance. This is how we play, this is how we work.
“As well as the dirty side of the game, we can play. We got the ball down and created some chances. We did what we had to do, we are still in the competition and that was the most important thing.
“That was what we expected: a good reaction from a disappointing night. We are still alive in the tournament.”
Hungary boss Rossi called on his side to “spit blood” to beat Scotland.
He said: “Scotland is a team which has a lot of physical qualities that in some situations could make us suffer.
“I think what is important to do in the last match is putting on the pitch what our fans are always asking of us. They can accept technical mistakes. They are not stupid.
“They know what kind of level we have, especially compared to these kinds of opponents. But they want to see that, on the pitch – and sorry for these words – that we’re spitting our blood.
“This is what I ask of the guys. I don’t ask them to win. I don’t ask them to score goals. I just ask them to put their maximum effort in. Of course, to be able to do this you must be well organised in a tactical aspect.
“Against Scotland we’re expecting another kind of match and we will prepare the right tactics for that. But the most important thing is your maximum effort.”
SunSport prediction
Scotland 0-1 Hungary
When is Scotland vs Hungary?
- Scotland’s big clash against Hungary will take place on Sunday, June 23.
- The game will kick off at 8pm BST.
- The MHP Arena in Stuttgart, Germany will play host.
What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
- Scotland vs Germany will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
- You can live stream the action from the BBC iPlayer, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
Can I watch for FREE?
- Yes, you can watch for FREE on BBC One, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
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Odds
- Scotland – 15/8
- Draw – 5/2
- Hungary – 7/5
*Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
