da spicy bet： The coach set his team up in the most defensive fashion imaginable and they huffed and puffed before being beaten at the death

da luck： Scotland came into their game with Hungary acutely aware that they needed to win to have any realistic chance of qualifying for the knockout rounds at Euro 2024, but you genuinely wouldn't have known it. Steve Clarke set his team up with a back-five formation, and essentially left Che Adams completely isolated up front before a late Kevin Csoboth goal condemned them to a heart-breaking 1-0 loss.

On 40 minutes, Scotland hearts were set aflutter as Willi Orban headed against the crossbar, but that was perhaps the only moment of note in a dire opening 45 minutes.

A worrying stoppage in play was required in the second half, when Angus Gunn rushed out to claim a cross and inadvertently made contact with Barnabas Varga, seemingly knocking him out. After much Hungarian concern, he was stretchered off.

Soon after, with John McGinn bizarrely substituted, Stuart Armstrong screamed for a Scotland penalty after being brought down in the box, but the referee waved play on.

Late on, with McGinn, Andrew Robertson and Billy Gilmour all subbed off, Scotland had to withstand multiple waves of Hungarian pressure, with Csoboth rattling the post. And eventually, Hungary won the game in dramatic fashion, as Csoboth finished off a surgical counter-attack. Scotland, as a result, are out.

GOAL rates Scotland's players from the Stuttgart Arena…

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Angus Gunn (6/10):

Barely tested, making one notable save from a long-range effort. Was not at all at fault for Varga's injury, although it may well have rattled him. Made a couple of excellent late saves but couldn't keep out Hungary's dramatic winner.

Anthony Ralston (5/10):

A couple of moments in which he was caught out of position. Did what he could to get forward but had little joy. Subbed late.

Jack Hendry (6/10):

Stood up to Hungary's long balls, and was as effective in the air as his defensive partners.

Grant Hanley (7/10):

So dominant in the air. A little loose in possession now and then but a strong display, as he put his body on the line at every turn. Eventually played up front. Gave everything.

Scott McKenna (5/10):

Strong in the tackle and no-nonsense in his distribution, even if he is a little slow on the turn.

Andrew Robertson (6/10):

Usually such a dynamic presence for Liverpool but had next to no licence to roam, and couldn't affect the game in the final third at all. Defensively as solid as ever, though. Subbed late as Clarke tried to make some of the most baffling tactical decisions possible.

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Billy Gilmour (6/10):

Takes care of the ball in a way that most Scotland players simply don't. One of the few players passing forward with regularity. Subbed late on.

Callum McGregor (5/10):

Kept taking the ball from Scotland's defence but couldn't penetrate Hungary's press with any regularity.

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Scott McTominay (4/10):

Nothing like the player we've seen so often at Manchester United. Absolutely anonymous, and barely had a kick within 20 yards of Hungary's box.

Che Adams (5/10):

Fortunate to get away with a high boot, and Hungary hit the bar from the resulting free-kick, but had next to no service. Subbed off.

John McGinn (6/10):

Clearly up for the fight but kept running into culs-de-sac. Comfortably the most productive Scotland player, always trying to make something happen. Bizarrely substituted.

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Lawrence Shankland (5/10):

On for Adams, but suffered the same problem; Scotland just cannot get the ball forward quickly enough.

Stuart Armstrong (5/10):

Replaced McGinn. Incredibly unlucky not to be given a penalty after being brought down in the box but couldn't make any more of an impact.

Ryan Christie (5/10):

Came on as Scotland chased it. Barely touched the ball.

Kenny McClean (6/10):

A late introduction. Couldn't get up to the flow of the game but had no time.

Lewis Morgan (4/10):

On for Robertson. Made one dash forward and left an acre of space behind him in which Hungary attacked and hit the post. The winner came down his side, too.

Steve Clarke (1/10):

Diabolical. Scotland needed a victory, desperately, yet Clarke set his team up with a back five and left Adams with no support whatsoever. Substituting McGinn, his best player, was as bizarre as it was inept and he followed it up by taking off both Gilmour and Robertson. Deservedly beaten.