Who will win Scotland vs Hungary? Our writers make their predictions for do or die Euro 2024 clash

Ex Scotland boss Tommy Docherty was as famous for his razor sharp wit as his illustrious football career and one of his quips that stuck was how his home nation returned from major tournaments before the postcards.

International mail might take a few extra days to reach the UK and what isn't up for debate is that Scotland have always had an early exit on the big stage. The national team has competed at eleven major international tournaments and never managed to get past the group stage. But that could all be about to change on Sunday night as Steve Clarke's side have a shot at history against Hungary in their final Euro 2024 Group A game.

Following a 5-1 thumping at the hands of hosts Germany in the opening game, Scotland bounced back to earn a draw against Switzerland in Cologne thanks to Scott McTominay's goal. That has set it all up for a mouthwatering final fixture against the Magyars who have suffered two defeats in their opening two games. The Tartan Army have followed the team in brilliant numbers and a win would see many of them extend their journey of a lifetime. Can Clarke's men do the business and end 70 years of failing to reach the knockout stage. The Record Sport writers have their say.

Keith Jackson

Beat Hungary to reach the last 16 of a major tournament? The whole country would have gladly signed for that six months ago. So let’s keep the faith one last time. Steve Clarke knows what he’s doing.

Scotland 2-1 Hungary

Michael Gannon

There’s a horrible fear Scotland will draw and then be forced to endure a few days of torture waiting to discover if two points are actually enough to sneak into the last 16. Hungary are a decent side who paid the price for a poor hour against the Swiss while Steve Clarke has been ravaged by injuries. Yet we saw something stirring in the Switzerland game. The unbelievable backing from the fans has given this side energy and it could get them through this one as well. It’s going to be tight and excruciatingly tense, but our boys can do this. It’s not home time yet.

Scotland 1-0 Hungary

Scott McDermott

This HAS to be our time and it’s written in the stars that Steve Clarke will become the first manager in our history to lead Scotland into the knockout stage of a major tournament. The players have a bit of belief back after the performance against Switzerland and - even though Hungary are dangerous - we can edge them out by a goal and book our place in the last 16.

Scotland 2 Hungary 1

Andy Newport

We’ve reached the do or die stage and it’s time for this Scotland team to deliver. It won’t be comfortable and the butterflies in the tummy will flap like pterodactyls. But if we can hold our nerve this can be the moment we’ve all been waiting for.

Scotland 1 Hungary 0

Fraser Wilson

Believe me, I’d love nothing more than to have the cigars out tomorrow night but alas I can only see another night of close but no Cuban. There’s questions over our ruthlessness in both boxes at this level and while Hungary may be pointless so far they have looked dangerous. The passion that drove Scotland to a point against the Swiss can deliver another draw. But ultimately that’s just not enough. Please, please prove me wrong lads.

Scotland 1 Hungary 1

Graeme Young

Scotland made a nation believe again and now Hungary lies in wait.

Marco Rossi's side were the en vogue pick of many pre-tournament and remain a threat despite being pointless. But Steve Clarke and his players can do this if they manage the game properly against a side who like to gung-ho. Box clever and we'll celebrate the knockouts for the first time ever.

Scotland 2 Hungary 1

Gavin Berry

After an unbeaten qualifying campaign, there was plenty of hype around the Magyars before a ball was kicked in Germany but two defeats hasn't justified. However, they have performed well in both games and will be a real threat, especially knowing they need to win unlike when we played the Swiss on Wednesday. But Scotland are buoyed by that victory in Cologne and we can ride on that wave of confidence and Tartan Army backing all the way to the knockout stage.

Scotland 2 Hungary 1