Andy Robertson consoled Liverpool team-mate Dominik Szoboszlai at full-time despite Scotland’s Euro 2024 heartbreak. The Scotland captain embraced Hungary’s Szoboszlai after a tense Group A game marked by a serious injury to Barnabas Varga.
The game saw Varga suffer a severe injury in a second-half collision, leading to a quick response from medics and a temporary screen to shield the injured player from view. Szoboszlai, the youngest captain in Euros history, was visibly distressed, urging medics onto the pitch. The match ended in a 1-0 victory for Hungary, with Kevin Csoboth scoring a stoppage-time winner, and Scotland was denied a late penalty appeal.
Despite the game’s heated moments, Robertson showed sportsmanship by comforting Szoboszlai. Scotland keeper Angus Gunn described the collision as a “blur” and expressed his hope for Varga’s recovery. Hungary later confirmed Varga had multiple facial fractures and a concussion, ruling him out of the tournament.
Szoboszlai criticized the slow medical response, saying, “It looked bad, it was bad, he felt bad. I don’t know the [medical] protocol, but if our doctors say we need someone immediately, then I don’t think they should walk. Seconds can help a lot.”
Robertson, reflecting on Scotland’s 12th first-round exit, said, “It’ll take a long time to get over this one. All the lads are feeling absolutely gutted. It’s up to us to pick them up. Slowly but surely. We’re sorry for letting you down. We gave it everything.”
He acknowledged Scotland’s control in the first half but lamented the lack of cutting edge. “We had to go for it, brought on players to push forward, but got sucker-punched at the end. A draw wasn’t enough. Both teams had to go for it, and unfortunately, one had to lose.”
Looking ahead, Robertson emphasized the need for the team to regroup for future campaigns, though he admitted the current defeat would take time to overcome. “Tonight is going to hurt for a long time. We have to get over this. It’s devastating.”
Despite the heartbreak, Robertson’s gesture towards Szoboszlai underscored the solidarity and respect between teammates, even in the face of intense competition.
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