Scotland crashed out of Euro 2024 as they lost their decisive final group game 1-0 to Hungary on Sunday night.
Scotland had arguably been the better side for much of the game but failed to make their dominance count before conceding in the final minute of the ten added on at the end of the game.
Aston Villa stalwart John McGinn played in the support striker role he tends to play under manager Steve Clarke and started the game well, but was substituted with 14 minutes to go with Scotland chasing a goal.
Ultimately, that goal did not come and, knowing they had to win to progress, Scotland left themselves exposed at the back which was the reason for the late concession.
Scotland’s exit takes Villa’s Euros involvement down to three players, with Ollie Watkins and Ezri Konsa representing England and Youri Tielemans playing for Belgium.
Scottish media left unimpressed by Aston Villa’s John McGinn
For all their possession, Scotland failed to register a single shot on target and looked bereft of ideas with Hungary happy to soak up the pressure.
In truth, the game was a dull affair, with both sides afraid of going behind before the match opened up as both sides chased a late goal that would see them progress to the knockout stages.
McGinn looked determined to drive Scotland to victory as he buzzed around the midfield but was unable to make a telling contribution before being substituted for Stuart Armstrong in the 76th-minute.
Scottish media reacted harshly to his display, with both The Scotsman and Edinburgh Evening News scoring McGinn’s performance a five out of ten.
Commenting on the Villa man’s performance, The Scotsman said: ‘Put himself about early on and tried to drive on the team.
Influence waned towards end of the first half but then reignited with a bulldozing run. However, he was taken off with 15 minutes to go for Stuart Armstrong as Scotland chased a goal.’
Edinburgh News were also left wanting more from McGinn, commenting: ‘Pressed and probed his opposition, but breaks in behind few and far between. Subbed after a quiet game.’
What remaining Aston Villa players need to progress in Euro 2024
This edition of the Euros has seen an extra knockout round added, meaning there will now be a round of 16.
That means that the best six of the eight third-place teams in the groups will progress to the next round.
Scotland knew there was a slim chance a draw could see them make it as one of the six best teams to finish third but, given how unlikely it is on just two points, frantically chased a winner.
The irony being that in chasing guaranteed qualification they instead confirmed an exit on the night by finishing fourth.
This is perhaps less painful than having to wait in Germany for the remaining groups to conclude, but the other Villa players involved in the tournament will hope to have more luck.
Watkins and Konsa are both part of the England squad receiving criticism for their performances so far; particularly the 1-1 draw with Denmark.
However, they are top of the group and a point against Slovenia should see them progress as winners of Group C.
Tielemans’ Belgium are in a slightly more precarious position having lost their opening game against Slovakia.
All four nation’s in Group E are on three points after two games, meaning each side has their progression in their own hands in a fascinating scenario.
Belgium are currently second in the group on goal difference and face Ukraine in the deciding final group game on Wednesday.
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