Scotland vs Hungary Prediction: A win for the Scots will make the group interesting

On Sunday at Stuttgart Arena, Scotland and Hungary will square off in the third round of the group round of the 2024 Germany UEFA European Championship. Scotland's last group stage match of the season ended in a 1-1 tie with Switzerland on June 19. This was Scotland's first point in the competition. The only player to score in the draw was Scott McTominay. They have lost all three of their previous games, across all competitions. They've played six games this year with one victory, two ties, and three losses.

In their final group stage match, which took place at Stuttgart Arena on June 19, Hungary lost 2-0 against Germany. They have lost three, drawn zero, and won three in 2024. Hungary has 0 points, which puts them in fourth place in the group, and Scotland is third with one point. Hungary is set to be eliminated, while Scotland is now out of the knockout round spots but still has a chance to go to the Round of 16.

Germany leads the group with six points and has guaranteed their spot in the Round of 16. Switzerland, who are in second place with four points, is also in the Round of 16. In their most recent encounter, Scotland prevailed 1-0 in a friendly held at Groupama Aréna in March 2018. In the 48th minute, Matt Phillips scored for Scotland.

McTominay has been Scotland's most important offensive player in Euro 2024 competition. With one goal, their attacking midfielder leads their team in scoring. With one goal in the current Euro 2024 campaign, Barnabás Varga has been Hungary's most prolific player in the final third. In the competition's scoring charts, the striker is tied for second place.

Scotland has played six games in all competitions, winning one, drawing two, and losing three. During that time, the Scottish team scored six goals and gave up thirteen, winning three of the six games. Their opponents scored six goals in the opening forty-five minutes, compared to their one goal. In their last six games, the Hungarian team has won three and lost three. Over that span, the Hungarian team scored eight goals and let up seven, scoring first in three of the six games. Their opponents scored four goals before halftime, compared to their four goals in the first half.

Scotland has played six games in all competitions, winning one, drawing two, and losing three. During that time, the Scottish team scored six goals and gave up thirteen, winning three of the six games. Their opponents scored six goals in the opening forty-five minutes, compared to their one goal. In their last six games, the Hungarian team has won three and lost three. Over that span, the Hungarian team scored eight goals and let up seven, scoring first in three of the six games. Their opponents scored four goals before halftime, compared to their four goals in the first half.

Clarke's stated goal for this summer has been to make it to the major championships' knockout stages for the first time, and he could be able to achieve that goal by placing third in Group A.

The Tartan Army can only take second place if they win handily and Switzerland loses against Germany by a large margin. Until then, they have to aim to accumulate four points from three games, cross their fingers, and pray.

But historical evidence indicates that this may be easier said than done: Out of 11 matches played in the European Championship so far, Scotland has only won two.

Hungary has lost all eight of their previous tries at the European Championship, and should they lose this weekend, they would tie the record for the longest streak of games without a win.

In fact, after suffering back-to-back losses at the beginning of their Group A campaign, the Magyars have only triumphed once in their last 17 games at major competitions when playing against other European countries.

With only one loss in their previous 16 games across all competitions, Marco Rossi's team had high hopes going into Germany. Now, however, they are facing an early exit. 

Hungary clearly cannot finish in the top two and will not advance to the round of sixteen if they lose to Scotland. Hungary lost their opening match 3-1 to Switzerland and then fell to the hosts 2-0 on Wednesday. The prospect is undoubtedly dire because, even with three points, they are unlikely to finish among the top third-placed teams.

With pride and the possibility of making it to the round of sixteen at risk in Stuttgart, neither team will consider taking a back seat.

Although Hungary has very little chance of winning, they have enough weaponry to take advantage of Scotland's shaky defense and may even eliminate the Tartan Army.