Despite the energetic support of their legendary fans, the Scottish national soccer team has once again failed to reach the last 16 of a major tournament at the European Championship.

After a 0:1 (0:0) draw against Hungary on the last matchday of Group A, the “Bravehearts” finished bottom of the group. However, the game was overshadowed by a potentially serious injury to Hungary’s Barnabas Varga.

Kevin Csoboth’s goal (90.+10) extinguished the last spark of hope for the Scots. Meanwhile, the ambitious Hungarians now have three points and a chance of progressing to the knockout phase as one of the four best third-placed teams in the group, but are worried about their team-mate. Varga collided with Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn in the 68th minute and remained lying on the pitch in a dazed state. After several minutes of treatment, the 29-year-old was taken off the pitch on a stretcher by paramedics with a screen and to the applause of the fans. A short time later, Varga was informed that he was conscious but on his way to hospital.

However, the team and fans still have to tremble. Since the introduction of the new mode for Euro 2016, three points have not always been enough to progress. Certainty could come on Tuesday at the earliest. Where, when and against whom the Hungarians will play in the round of 16 if they qualify will not be known until the end of the group stage next Wednesday.

Prior to the first meeting between the two nations in a competitive match, the Scottish fans had once again dominated the headlines. Following their trips to Munich and Cologne, tens of thousands of members of the “Tartan Army” once again came to Stuttgart. Midfielder John McGinn emphasized before the group final that his own supporters had “done their job” at the European Championships so far: “Now we want to give them more unforgettable moments.”

Both teams were probably all too aware of their starting position. The fear of making a serious mistake overshadowed the willingness to take risks in both Scotland and Hungary. Although the British had 64% possession in the first half, they never managed to create any significant danger – not even from set-pieces.

The number of noteworthy situations at the other end was also limited – and yet the Eastern Europeans at least posed some danger: A free-kick cross from Dominik Szoboszlai was headed onto the crossbar by Willi Orban (41′), who was completely unmarked from an offside position.

Spurred on by their tireless fans, the Scots were more confident after the break – and even scored their first goal in the person of Che Adams (53). However, big chances remained few and far between. After a Szoboszlai free-kick, Varga collided with Gunn – and soccer took a back seat for a few minutes, with Szoboszlai seemingly on the verge of tears. When the game resumed, Hungary pressed relentlessly and Kevin Csoboth hit the post (90.+2). Shortly afterwards, he aimed more accurately