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Scotland vs Hungary - Euro 2024: Live score, team news and updates as Steve Clarke's side face must-win final group game, plus updates from Switzerland vs Germany

5 months ago 34

By Harry Bamforth

Published: 18:00 BST, 23 June 2024 | Updated: 18:58 BST, 23 June 2024

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Julian Nagelsmann: ‘I hope the pitch holds up but I have little hope’

Julian Nagelsmann, Germany boss, speaking about the pitch on Saturday:

I hope that it holds up, but I have little hope. The grass is simply not good — very greasy, very soft. It is like driving with summer tyres in the winter. After the NFL games (at the stadium), the grass no longer grew well. I am not so worried in terms of playing the game, but what worries me more is in terms of injuries.
There are players such as Jude Bellingham that we have seen have had problems and risked some serious injury. If you slip, you really risk getting injured. But this is the situation, these are the starting conditions. We must handle them.

 Julian Nagelsmann head coach of the German National Team during a press conference  at Frankfurt Arena on June 22, 2024 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Neil Baynes - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

How is the Frankfurt pitch?

Speaking of the turf, I hope it's in better knick today because put it this way, it was pretty rubbish the last time it was used.

When was that you ask? When England drew with Denmark on Thursday (sorry to remind you).

From the very first minute, the Frankfurt pitch was cutting up, chunks of grass were flying out of the ground, and players were falling over.

Will that happen today, I guess we will have to wait and see?

It makes for good comedy, but the teams won’t be laughing if injuries occur.

epa11426400 View of the pitch while Danish players doing their run out at the Frankfurt Arena after the UEFA EURO 2024 group C match between Denmark and England, in Frankfurt Main, Germany, 20 June 2024.  EPA/FILIP SINGER

Germany checking out the Frankfurt turf

First of all, how cool are Germany's jackets?

I mean, tracksuits in football are rarely fashionable these days, but the same cannot be said about this one.

Anyway, the Germans have arrived at the Waldstadion to face Switzerland and they seem in high spirits.

They can just enjoy themselves today.

 Ilkay Guendogan of Germany arrives at the stadium prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Switzerland and Germany at Frankfurt Arena on June 23, 2024 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Ryan Pierse - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

epa11432504 Jamal Musiala of Germany and Florian Wirtz of Germany (R) talk on the pitch ahead of the UEFA EURO 2024 group A soccer match between Switzerland and Germany, in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, 23 June 2024.  EPA/FRIEDEMANN VOGEL

Soccer Football - Euro 2024 - Group A - Switzerland v Germany - Frankfurt Arena, Frankfurt, Germany - June 23, 2024 Germany's Thomas Muller and teammates on the pitch before the match REUTERS/Thilo Schmuelgen

Chris Sutton: ‘Hungary will beat Scotland’

Chris Sutton, It’s All Kicking Off! Co-host, on the BBC Sport website:

Hungary have lost both their games so far but they will still feel they have an outside chance of going through if they win. Scotland were much better against Switzerland, and goalkeeper Angus Gunn played really well, but I am still worried about their defence.
I am hoping that Scotland get a result, but I actually think that Hungary will beat them. Sorry, Scotland, because I really want you to win. You’ve had the best fans at the tournament but I just think you lack quality in certain areas.

Scotland arrive in Stuttgart

Now it's time to get excited!

Scotland's players have arrived at the Stuttgart Arena and are scouting out the turf.

I mean, they are all looking very serious, and game faces are well and truly on.

They know just how huge tonight is, you can see it in their eyes.

 Lawrence Shankland and John McGinn of Scotland inspect the pitch prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Scotland and Hungary at Stuttgart Arena on June 23, 2024 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

 Scott McTominay of Scotland arrives at the stadium prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Scotland and Hungary at Stuttgart Arena on June 23, 2024 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Alex Caparros - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

 Billy Gilmour of Scotland inspects the pitch with teammates prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Scotland and Hungary at Stuttgart Arena on June 23, 2024 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

'Back at the scene of the crime'

Ian Ladyman, Mail Sport Football Editor, at the Waldstadion:

Well, it feels strange to be back at the scene of the crime. It was only three nights ago that England drew here in Frankfurt against Denmark
This time it’s the hosts Germany and I am excited. Can’t make a prediction until I see the German team though Will it be full strength on this strange, soft, and frankly quite dangerous pitch?

Three in a row for Germany?

It’s fair to say, Germany have been balling out this tournament.

They have scored seven goals already, only conceded one, and have qualified for the knockouts after winning their first two games.

If they beat Switzerland tonight, they will become the first host national to win all three group matches since the Netherlands in 2000.

I would back them to do so as well.

 Florian Wirtz of Germany celebrates his goal with Jamal Musiala of Germany (left) during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Germany and Scotland at Munich Football Arena on June 14, 2024 in Munich, Germany.(Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)

19 June 2024, Baden-W?rttemberg, Stuttgart: Soccer: European Championship, Germany - Hungary, preliminary round, group A, match day 2, Stuttgart Arena, Germany's Jamal Musiala (hidden) celebrates after his goal for 1:0 with Germany's Robert Andrich (l-r), Germany's ?lkay G?ndo?an, Germany's Maximilian Mittelst?dt and Germany's Jonathan Tah. Photo: Tom Weller/dpa

'Scotland have vowed to win for Tierney'

Stephen McGowan, Mail Sport, at the Stuttgart Arena:

The Scotland dressing room in the Stuttgart Arena has Kieran Tierney’s jersey hanging from a peg despite the Arsenal defender’s tournament being over. Stretchered off from the 1-1 draw against Switzerland, Scotland players have vowed to win it for KT. Let’s see if they can walk the walk.

 Kieran Tierney of Scotland lies injured on a stretcher during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Scotland and Switzerland at Cologne Stadium on June 19, 2024 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Robbo vs Szobo

Two Liverpool teammates are set to collide tonight.

Both Andy Robertson and Dominik Szoboszlai are used to linking up in red in search of three points.

Tonight they will have to put their friendship behind them, they are battling against each other on this occasion.

Both will captain their countries in Stuttgart, so it will be interesting to see how much they chat alongside each other in the tunnel beforehand.

I’m guessing not much, game faces will be on.

 (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Dominik Szoboszlai and Andy Robertson of Liverpool celebrating the win at the end of Premier League match between Liverpool FC and West Ham United at Anfield on September 24, 2023 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Alan Hansen is discharged from hospital

This is very good news.

Scotland and Liverpool legend Alan Hansen has been discharged from hospital following a serious illness.

Hansen is set to continue his recovery from home in what is brilliant news for the Scottish faithful before their big match.

To read more, click below:

Liverpool have confirmed that club legend Alan Hansen has been discharged from hospital two weeks after he was admitted and was fighting for his life. 

Steve Clarke: ‘We know we have to win’

Steve Clarke, Scotland boss, speaking on Saturday:

The whole tournament is a sense of occasion. For Scotland, the first major overseas tournament since 1998. I was still playing then, that was a long time ago. You can see how much the supporters out here are enjoying themselves. I am sure the five million at home are also engrossed in the tournament. It’s not just about this game, it’s about all the games.
We know we have to win the game to progress to the next round and that’s what we’ll try to do. We’ve been in this position before but hopefully we can show that we’ve learned a few lessons. We had a really good training session and when they cross the white line they have to put that into practice and hopefully you see the results at the end.

 Scotland Head Coach Steve Clarke during a Scotland MD-1 press conference at the Stuttgart Arena, on June 22, 2024, in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)

How can Scotland progress?

Let’s be honest, they just need to win.

If they draw, it is still technically plausible, but extremely unlikely. They would need lots of other results to go their way.

Scotland can’t let too much come down to chance. Win tonight and they will practically be through. Four points is usually enough for qualification as a third-placed side.

They can technically still finish second, but it would require Switzerland to lose to Germany and a six-goal swing.

So, a squeaky 1-0 will surely do, right?

At the moment they sit bottom of the third-placed team rankings. The top four will qualify, so that is the big aim for the Scots.

It’s certainly achievable.

Scottish takeover Stuttgart

Not to be outdone by the Germans, the Tartan Army are also enjoying themselves.

Thousands, and thousands of Scotland fans have travelled to Stuttgart for tonight's crunch match, and it looks like they are enjoying themselves.

The Scottish have arguably been the best supporters this tournament, their back of the team has been unmatched.

Just look at the sea of blue, it's a sight to behold.

 Scotland fans gather in the city center prior to the Group A Scotland v Hungary match of the UEFA EURO 2024 football championship on June 23, 2024 in Stuttgart, Germany. Scotland is in third place in its group going into the match. (Photo by Thomas Niedermueller/Getty Images)

 Scotland fans gather in the city center prior to the Group A Scotland v Hungary match of the UEFA EURO 2024 football championship on June 23, 2024 in Stuttgart, Germany. Scotland is in third place in its group going into the match. (Photo by Thomas Niedermueller/Getty Images)

Soccer Football - Euro 2024 - Fans gather for Scotland v Hungary - Stuttgart, Germany - June 23, 2024 Scotland fans are seen before the match REUTERS/Axel Schmidt

 Martin Rickett/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

Germany fans in party mode

Now this looks like a right laugh, doesn't it?

It's not surprising that the German party has already started ahead of their clash with Switzerland, I mean, they are already through.

I have seen so many videos circulating of this Saxophonist getting the vibe going in Frankfurt, and I must say, it makes me want to join in.

Just look at the atmosphere, it's incredible.

Top two face off in Frankfurt

There is not as much on this game, but don’t let that fool you, it’s still set up to be a belter.

Both Germany and Switzerland have been playing some sublime stuff in recent times, both before and during the tournament.

The hosts have to be the favourites for this game, I mean, they have been in scintillating form so far this tournament.

In fact, they have my backing to go on and win the whole thing. Yep, that’s how good I think they are.

But Switzerland will give them a game, that’s for sure.

0 with Leroy Sane of Germany and Antonio Ruediger of Germany during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Germany and Hungary at Stuttgart Arena on June 19, 2024 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Stefan Matzke - sampics/Getty Images)

 Xherdan Shaqiri of Switzerland celebrates scoring his side's first goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Scotland and Switzerland at Cologne Stadium on June 19, 2024 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)

John McGinn: ‘We can write our name into the history books’

John McGinn, Scotland midfielder, speaking on Saturday:

We've obviously had a lot of injuries along the way - but us Scots are best at enduring adversity. Hopefully we can prove a lot of people wrong. We have players who've been involved in high-pressure matches, but we're not feeling pressure, we feel anticipation about being that team who changes things for Scottish football.
I don't think a lot of people across Europe thought we could do it, so we want to be the ones who do. We all know the magnitude of the occasion. We have the chance to write our name into the history books.

 John McGinn during a Scotland MD-1 press conference at the Stuttgart Arena, on June 22, 2024, in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)

Scotland seeking history

Scotland have the chance to create history tonight.

No Scottish side has ever gotten out of the group stage of an international major tournament. Even the great 1978 side with Graeme Souness and Kenny Dalglish.

Well, Steve Clarke’s side can change that today. They take on a Hungary side yet to claim a point at these Championships.

If they win, it’s more than likely they will sail into the knockout stages on four points as one of the top four third-place sides.

Hungary are no slouch, though, led by Dominik Szoboszlai they were seen as a dark horse before the tournament, but it’s not gone as planned.

The confidence in the Scotland camp is high that they can get the job done under pressure.

The stakes are high – this one will be a cracker!

 Player of Scotland celebrate after a goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 Group A match between Scotland and Switzerland at Cologne Stadium in Cologne, Germany on June 19, 2024. (Photo by Emin Sansar/Anadolu via Getty Images)

 Fans of Scotland celebrate after Fabian Schaer of Switzerland (not pictured) concedes an own goal after deflecting a shot by Scott McTominay of Scotland (not pictured) leading to the first goal for Scotland during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Scotland and Switzerland at Cologne Stadium on June 19, 2024 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

As it stands

It’s a huge day for Group A, so how is it looking?

Well, we know Germany are already through, while Switzerland are in a very strong position to qualify in second on four points.

It’s third place where it’s all really happening. Scotland and Hungary are both vying for that spot in a bid to progress to the knockouts.

Yes, third doesn’t mean a team definitely go through, but it gives you a shot.

Group A Deciding Day

How are the nerves, Scotland fans?

It’s a monumental day for the Tartan Army as they look to make history by securing qualification to the knockout stages.

They face Hungary in Stuttgart, and the excitement for this one is through the roof. I’m nervous and I’m not even Scottish. The footballing world will be tuning in.

Hosts Germany – who have already qualified – are looking to finish the group stage in style against Switzerland in Frankfurt.

The Swiss are all but through, so this fixture doesn’t quite have the same weight of expectation upon it.

Both matches start at 8pm and we will have you covered for both. I simply cannot wait to get going on this one.

Let’s get this show on the road!

 General view inside the stadium as the flags of Scotland, UEFA, Hungary and FIFA are seen inside the stadium prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Scotland and Hungary at Stuttgart Arena on June 23, 2024 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Chris Ricco - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

 General views of FanZone Schlossplatz and Fan Meeting Point Stadtgarten prior to Group A Match between Scotland and Hungary on June 23, 2024 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Matt West/Shutterstock (14548071n) A general view ahead of the match Switzerland v Germany, UEFA European Championship 2024, Group A, Football, Frankfurt Arena, Frankfurt am Main, Germany, 23 Jun 2024

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