Sabasports Match Preview
Euro 2024: Scotland vs Hungary
Kickoff Time: 2024-06-24 03:00 (HKT)
Source: REUTERS/Lee Smith
After two rounds of the group stage, Scotland rank third in their group with one draw and one loss. The overall performance is disappointing. Tactically, Scotland primarily employ a 5-4-1 formation and are conservative in both offense and defense. When facing an opponent’s attack, Scotland actively defend high in the front field with man-to-man defense. However, if the strategy fails, they quickly retreat to the middle field and form a compact defensive lineup. Offensively, Scotland shift to a more flexible 3-4-2-1 formation. Despite this, after two matches, Scotland have only scored two goals, one of which was an own goal by the opponent. Additionally, they have conceded six goals, showcasing lackluster performance on both ends. Although Scotland impressed in the European qualifiers, their group stage performance suggests that advancing to the knockout stage will be a challenging task.
Despite losing both group stage matches so far, Hungary’s performance has been impressive. In their last game against host Germany, although Hungary lost by 0-2, they were not outplayed and repeatedly threatened Germany. Hungary’s lineup is balanced across the front, middle, and back lines, with their star player being Dominik Szoboszlai, who plays for Liverpool. At 23, he is the youngest captain in this European Championship. Additionally, Hungary feature talents like Peter Gulacsi, Willi Orban, Attila Szalai, and Roland Sallai. Hungary typically use a 3-4-2-1 formation, leveraging quick counterattacks to create threats and controlling the rhythm of the game through precise passing and flexible positioning to transition between offense and defense.
Although both teams’ performances in the first two group matches have been below expectations, Hungary have shown greater overall strength and on-field performance compared to Scotland. Moreover, Hungary’s dynamic style of play is likely to pose significant challenges for Scotland, whose performance has been mediocre in both offense and defense. As the saying goes, offense is the best defense, and Hungary’s aggressive tactics make them more reliable.
Scotland’s Last 5 Games: DLDWL
24-06-20 Scotland 1-1 Switzerland
24-06-15 Germany 5-1 Scotland
24-06-08 Scotland 2-2 Finland
24-06-04 Gibraltar 0-2 Scotland
24-03-27 Scotland 0-1 Northern Ireland
Hungary’s Last 5 Games: LLWLW
24-06-20 Germany 2-0 Hungary
24-06-15 Hungary 1-3 Switzerland
24-06-08 Hungary 3-0 Israel
24-06-05 Ireland 2-1 Hungary
24-03-27 Hungary 2-0 Kosovo
Head To Head Record:
18-03-28 Hungary 0-1 Scotland
04-08-19 Scotland 0-3 Hungary
Prediction: Hungary to win or Draw