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
Atmosphere building in Stuttgart
The Stuttgart Arena is filling up and the vibes are immaculate.
We all know the Scotland fans are noisy, but my word, so are the Hungarians.
The stands are full of Hungarians hoping to see their side pull something out of the hat.
They are making a racket (in a good way).
‘Steve Clarke sticks by the same formation’
Stephen McGowan, Mail Sport, at the Stuttgart Arena:
Five at the back was a tactic implemented by Alex McLeish to shoehorn left-backs Andrew Robertson and Kieran Tierney into the same team. Despite Tierney’s absence Steve Clarke sticks by the same formation, bringing in Scott McKenna in as a straight replacement. The worry for Scotland: when Tierney comes out, history shows that three central defenders rarely works.
‘Martin Compston a bag of nerves’
Aadam Patel, Mail Sport, at the Stuttgart Arena:
Just seen Martin Compston, who you may remember from Line of Duty, in his Scotland shirt and sunglasses. He’s quietly confident of a Scottish win tonight but is a bag of nerves, just like the rest of the Tartan Army here in Stuttgart.
Big night for McKenna
So Scott McKenna is the man.
It’s a huge night for the centre-back who comes in to replace the injured Kieran Tierney.
He is a very different defender to Tierney, but he is very solid at the back.
And up top too, look what he did against Germany…
Scotland and Hungary TEAM NEWS
Just the one change for Scotland, and it’s enforced.
Kieran Tierney misses out after being stretchered off against Switzerland, he is replaced by Scott McKenna.
Hungary make just the two changes, with one of them being Barnsley’s Callum Styles.
It’s a big day for the England-born man.
Switzerland and Germany TEAM NEWS
There is just one change across the two teams…
And it comes from Switzerland. Surprisingly Xherdan Shaqiri has been dropped after scoring a screamer against Scotland.
Breel Embolo replaces him in what looks to be a slightly different formation, as you’d expect Embolo to play up top.
Meanwhile, Germany are unchanged for a third game running. No taking the foot off the pedal.
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.
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.
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.
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.
‘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 DenmarkThis 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.
‘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.
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.
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 confirm Alan Hansen has been DISCHARGED from hospital
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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