Hungarian striker Barnabas Varga suffered a facial fracture which will require an operation, after a violent shock which caused a big scare during the Euro 2024 match won against Scotland (1-0), Sunday June 23.
On a Hungarian free kick in the 68th minute, the 29-year-old fell violently on the back of his neck and was immediately placed in a side safety position by his teammates as he appeared unable to move. At real speed, it was impossible to see the brutality of the contact with the Scottish goalkeeper, contrary to photographs from different angles which attest to this.
After a few seconds of hesitation, the emergency services finally intervened to evacuate him from the field to applause, after his partners, very touched by the scene, formed a circle around him by unrolling a brown sheet. According to reports from German broadcaster Magenta TV, Varga was conscious and talking when he was taken to hospital in Stuttgart.
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“The situation was confusing. What the players told me was that at that moment, “Barni” appeared to be unconscious. Everyone was therefore very worried about his condition and also about the fact that the doctors had arrived a little late, we can say that”declared his coach Marco Rossi. “Fortunately, we can now say that “Barni” is no longer in danger. He will probably have surgery in the next few hours because he suffered a fracture here (pointing to his cheek and eye socket). If we go further in the competition, of course he will no longer be part of the team.”he detailed.
Hungary snatches victory at the 100e minute
” It was terrible. It was a terrible moment to see Barnabas in this state. Fortunately, he is in much better condition. He will probably have to undergo minor surgery. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that he can return quickly…”reacted his teammate Roland Sallai at a press conference. “We fought for him for the remaining 15 to 20 minutes. We wanted to win for him and we dedicate this victory to him.” assured the Hungarian player, elected man of the match.
Following this incident, the Hungarians were able to remobilize and threw their last strength into the battle, creating several chances, one of which ended up on the post, after a slightly too cross shot from Kevin Csoboth. But it was this same Csoboth who managed to liberate the Magyars, by victoriously taking a back pass on a final counter-attack concluded in the 10e minute of stoppage time.
With these first three points, Hungary can still hope to finish among the best thirds, but will have to wait several more days to find out if it is qualified or not. The Scots, dominated throughout the meeting, were eliminated from the competition and finished in last place in group A with a single point, still unable to reach the final stages of an international competition.
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