Sunday’s Euro 2024 action kicks off with the Scots, who face Hungary in a bid to secure a spot in the knockout rounds. Despite having just one point between them so far, both teams still have a chance to qualify, so there’s a lot at stake.
Can either team secure a win that would significantly boost their chances of advancing? Read on for our Scotland vs. Hungary predictions.
Scotland vs. Hungary prediction
For the Scotland vs Hungary match prediction, we believe the final score will be 2-1 in favor of Hungary based on our analysis.
Sure, Hungary is currently pointless in Group A before this final game, while Scotland has one point. There might not be much separating the two teams, but with Dominik Szoboszlai and Rolland Sallai leading their attack, Hungary has a clear edge in offensive quality, which could be the deciding factor.
Our predictions for this crucial Group A clash between Scotland and Hungary are:
Hungary to Win @ +150 with bet365
Rolland Sallai to Score @ +300 with bet365
Scotland vs. Hungary betting odds
Scotland vs. Hungary head-to-head statistics
This will be just the third meeting between these teams. They last met in 2018, with Scotland winning 1-0. Back in 2004, Hungary defeated Scotland 3-0.
Scotland vs. Hungary preview
This game will be played on June 23, 2024, at MHP Arena in Stuttgart. Kick-off is at 3:00 PM ET.
After a poor performance on opening night, the Scots managed to improve in their second match. Facing Switzerland was a slightly easier task than the tournament hosts, but Scotland held their own and fought hard for a draw, showing significant improvement on both ends of the pitch.
You could argue that Scotland was unlucky not to take all three points, as Grant Hanley's close-range header hit the post in the second half. However, Switzerland also missed some big chances, so a draw was a fair result.
This performance gives Scotland hope and a platform to build on, but the question remains: can they do enough offensively to secure the win they need? I’m skeptical, but if pushed for an answer, I’d say no.
Hungary's situation looks dire after two games with zero points, sitting at the bottom of the group. However, the tournament structure allows four of the six third-place teams to advance, and it's possible that one of those teams could advance with just three points. So, there's still hope for Hungary.
Despite their record, Hungary hasn't performed poorly. They created chances against both Switzerland and Germany, and with players like Szoboszlai and Sallai, they have the top-level talent needed to make a difference in the final third. This could be the deciding factor.
Scotland vs. Hungary betting picks
Predicting this match isn't easy, but the odds on a Hungary win seem a bit generous, as does a bet on one of their key players to score.
Hungary to Win
As mentioned, Hungary has superior quality in the final third. They have scored one goal less than Scotland but have shown better offensive play overall. Szoboszlai is a top talent, and his ability to create chances, especially for forward Barnabas Varga, should give Hungary fans hope.
Scotland's defense looked weak against Germany, and despite only conceding once against Switzerland, they still appeared shaky at the back. Both teams need to go for it, but Hungary offers more in offensive quality, and the odds don’t seem to reflect that well enough.
Rolland Sallai to Score
Szoboszlai gets much of the attention, but Hungary has another capable attacker in Sallai, who has quietly delivered strong performances against both Switzerland and Germany. The Freiburg forward was lively, direct in possession, and got into promising positions off the ball. Don't be surprised if he scores against a weaker opponent.
Sallai averaged 2.69 shots per game for Freiburg in the Bundesliga last season, despite playing in midfield, and he averaged an impressive 0.39 expected goals per 90 minutes. Playing further forward for Hungary, Sallai scored two goals in six qualifying matches and has taken five shots in this tournament. If he can get a few more chances here, one might find the net.
Recap - Scotland vs. Hungary betting picks
To recap, our bets for this Group A decider are:
Hungary to Win @ +150 with bet365
Rolland Sallai to Score @ +300 with bet365
