Hungary forward Barnabas Varga is in stable condition in the hospital after suffering a life-threatening injury during the European Championship 2024 group stage clash against Scotland on June 23. The game had to be halted for 10 minutes and players were left in tears as Varga received medical treatment on the field after colliding with Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn.
Varga's teammates held up blankets as the extent of his injury was checked by the medical staff. He was stretchered off the field and rushed to the hospital.
“Several bones in Barnabás Varga's face were broken during the collision during the match, and he also suffered a concussion,” the Hungarian soccer federation wrote on X after the match.
“The Ferencváros striker is most likely to undergo surgery. He spends the night in the hospital in Stuttgart. The whole team is rooting for him!”
The incident took place in the 71st minute of the game. Substitute Kevin Csoboth scored a dramatic stoppage-time goal to break the deadlock and help Hungary beat Scotland 1-0.
Sallai dedicates win to Varga
“It was terrible. Was a terrible moment to see Barnabás like that,” Hungary midfielder Roland Sallai said.
“Of course, we were fighting for him in the remaining 15-20 minutes, and we would have liked to win for him and we were very happy we could achieve that. And yes, this we dedicate to him.”
The scenes in Stuttgart were similar to the ones at Parken Stadium, Copenhagen in Euro 2020 when Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsed on the field after suffering a cardiac arrest against Ireland.
Hungary’s campaign not over yet
This was Hungary's first win of Euro 2024. They are placed in Group A. Despite registering just one win at group stage, Hungary still have the chance to qualify to the round of 16 as four third-placed sides from six groups will also advance in the tournament. They will have to depend on the results of other games.
From Group A, Germany and Switzerland have already advanced to the round of 16. Germany and Switzerland played a draw on June 23 in Frankfurt arena,
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