Hungary's Varga in stable condition after collision vs. Scotland

ByJAMES OLLEY
June 23, 2024, 6:09 PM

STUTTGART, Germany --  Hungary striker Barnabás Varga is in stable condition in a hospital after a midair collision with Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn during Sunday's 1-0 win in Stuttgart.

Substitute Kevin Csoboth scored the only goal in the 100th and final minute of a game that had such lengthy stoppage time largely due to Varga receiving prolonged treatment on the field.

Gunn and Varga collided in the 68th minute as they battled to meet Dominik Szoboszlai's free kick. Varga appeared to suffer a serious reaction to the clash, which prompted his teammates to signal furiously for medical assistance.

Hungary captain and Liverpool midfielder Szoboszlai pulled the stretcher along with the medical staff, carrying it as many fans behind the goal voiced their anger at how slow it was brought to Varga's aid.

Officials then held sheets up to shield Varga from the crowd as he was tended to for several minutes before he was taken to a nearby hospital.

The Hungarian Football Federation posted on X: "Barnabas Varga's condition is stable. The Hungarian national team player is currently in one of the hospitals in Stuttgart."

"We will inform you immediately if there is any news on his status."

After Csoboth's match winner, Szoboszlai brought Varga's shirt onto the pitch to celebrate.

"It means everything, obviously we were celebrating with the fans then, my voice is a little bit gone because of all the shouting," Hungary midfielder Callum Styles said. "Hopefully that does the job, but we've done all we can now so we'll have to wait."

The result confirms Scotland's elimination from Euro 2024, while Hungary finish with three points and must wait to learn whether that will be enough to secure a spot as one of the four best third-place teams.

Information from Reuters contributed to this report.