Life in Group A began in brutal fashion for Scotland, but it could end with a first ever trip to a major tournament knockout round if they get the better of Hungary on Sunday.
Steve Clarke’s men brushed off the 5-1 thumping at the hands of Germany with a rousing response in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Switzerland, while Hungary will likely be packing their bags after consecutive losses that leave them carrying an unflattering goal difference.
It’s crunch time for these nations in Stuttgart this weekend, and I break down the key storylines and betting angles in my free Scotland vs. Hungary predictions and Euro 2024 picks.
Scotland vs Hungary picks, predictions, and betting tips
My best bet:
Scotland moneyline (+165 at Betano)
My analysis
What an opportunity this is for Scotland. With a chance to make history, they head into a winnable contest against an underwhelming Hungary team – and I’m picking the Scots to do just enough to grind out a priceless victory, especially as a surprising (slight) underdog here.
They deserve a ton of credit for rebounding so quickly after the disastrous tournament opener. With pride dented but belief still intact, we saw a huge improvement against the Swiss, with Scotland showing far more conviction, organization and intent in possession.
The Scots looked the likelier winners in the second half in midweek, leaving a strong feeling that they would have taken all three points if the game had stretched on an extra five minutes.
Clarke’s decision to bring Billy Gilmour into the starting lineup paid off alongside Callum McGregor, releasing Scott McTominay and John McGinn to influence the game in more advanced positions.
On Sunday, Scotland will be without two of the back three that started against the Germans, with Kieran Tierney out for the tournament with a hamstring injury and Ryan Porteous still suspended. Grant Hanley and Scott McKenna are able defensive replacements, but the Scots have to eliminate the sloppy backpasses that marred their first half display against Switzerland.
Meanwhile, Hungary’s Euro 2024 performances have been hugely disappointing, with the offensive burden weighing down Dominik Szoboszlai and some defensive lapses proving costly. Scotland have the midfield terriers to shackle Szoboszlai and I like their chances of unlocking the Hungarian backline.
Of course, Hungary have some wounded pride of their own, so there’s no suggestion that they’ll roll over in their final Group A matchup. They could still qualify for the next round with a win here and favorable results elsewhere, but the momentum is with Scotland, roared on by their large contingent of travelling fans.
There may still be some scoreboard watching for the Scots, even with a victory here, but I’m predicting big celebrations for the Tartan Army.
Scotland vs Hungary same-game parlay (SGP)
Scotland moneyline
Under 2.5
Over 4.5 cards
While I’m picking Scotland to snatch the three points, this is set up to be a tight, nervy 90 minutes. Hungary have their own slim qualification hopes, but there’s been a lack of quality in their two outings so far at Euro 2024.
The Hungarians have only scored one goal, but Scotland aren’t exactly blessed with top-tier scoring threats either, so this feels like a scrappy affair where one clinical finish could be the difference.
That makes the Under on 2.5 goals an attractive play here, particularly with Che Adams so often isolated up front for the Scots and Barnabas Varga playing a similar role for Hungary.
If the Scots bag any early goal and this turns into a backs-to-the-wall defensive effort, there’s every chance that we’ll see a climbing card count. Scotland are at their best when they play with a full-force edge, and that’s the kind of energy I’m expecting in Stuttgart this weekend. They held nothing back against Switzerland and finished with three bookings.
Both of Hungary’s games at this tournament have featured four yellow cards, but I like the odds for Over 4.5 cards here, with some feisty tackles looming in the midfield battleground.
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Scotland vs Hungary odds
| Scotland | Hungary | |
|---|---|---|
| +172 | Moneyline | +152 |
| Over 2.5 (-128) | Total | Under 2.5 (+105) |
| +285 | Draw | +285 |
Odds courtesy of Betano on 6-22.
Scotland vs Hungary game info
| Location: | Stuttgart Arena, Stuttgart, Germany |
| Date: | Sunday, June 23, 2024 |
| Time: | 3:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | FS1 |
| Weather: | Cloudy conditions, with temperatures in the low 70s |
Not intended for use in MA.
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