The image sends shivers down your spine. Trembling on the ground, Hungarian Barnabas Varga was quickly placed in a lateral safety position before being evacuated on a stretcher, hidden by sheets. In the 68th minute of the Scotland-Hungary match, counting for the 3rd day of Group A at Euro 2024, the 29-year-old striker made contact with Scottish goalkeeper Angus Gunn on a free kick, falling violently on the back of his neck . The Scots and Hungarians immediately made gestures to the medical staff, who intervened. Upon his exit, the player received applause from the audience at the Stuttgart Arena, under the distraught gaze of the other players.
On the ground, some of them were also emotionally affected. Captain of Hungary, which finally won (1-0) and finished 3rd in group A with real hopes of qualifying for the round of 16, Dominik Szoboszlai had tears in his eyes when he took his place.
Varga was rushed to hospital with a neck brace. According to information from German broadcaster Magenta TV, he was conscious and speaking at the time of his transport.