Scotland captain Andy Robertson apologised to the nation after being knocked out of Euro 2024 on Sunday night time.
The Tartan Military went into their last group stage conflict in opposition to Hungary with each side realistically needing a win with a purpose to advance to the final 16. A draw might have been sufficient for Scotland to safe qualification, however given this might have left them with solely two factors from three video games, this was broadly seen as an unlikely sufficient tally to ship them via.
Scotland’s efficiency in Stuttgart was largely flat and so they did not get out of first gear till ten minutes of stoppage time on the finish of the second half. They registered solely 4 pictures, which all got here after half-time and none of which had been on course.
The sport was settled by a One hundredth-minute aim from Kevin Csoboth on the finish of a fast Hungary counter assault, and far focus has been positioned on supervisor Steve Clarke’s ways, once more selecting to not deviate from a back-five formation till late within the day.
Talking post-match, Scotland skipper Robertson mentioned: “It is going to take a very long time to recover from this one.
“We knew there was going to be a degree within the sport the place we might go for it and convey on the gamers we had on the bench to go for it that wee bit extra. We did go for it however we bought sucker-punched on the finish. A draw wasn’t going to be sufficient realistically so each groups needed to go for it and sadly one in every of us needed to lose.
“Tonight is devastating. There isn’t any buttering it up. All of the lads are completely gutted. It is as much as us to select them up and that can solely occur slowly however certainly. What I’ll say is thanks to the nation as a result of we felt everybody behind us and we knew the joy again house. Sorry for letting you down.”
Scotland have been knocked out within the group stage of a serious match in any respect 12 competitions they’ve certified for, 4 of which have been European Championships.
Hungary’s spot within the knockout phases will not be but assured as they nonetheless have to rank among the many 4 greatest third-place groups – they presently sit third out of six within the mini-table.
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