Scotland manager Steve Clarke urges his side to be mentally strong in final Euros group game
Scotland face Hungary knowing a win should be enough to book their place in the last 16
Last updated 24th Jun 2024
Scotland manager Steve Clarke is urging his side to stay mentally strong as they target a place in the last-16 of Euro 2024.
A win against Hungary tonight should be enough for them to reach the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time.
Clarke's side lost 5-1 against Germany in their first match, before drawing 1-all with Switzerland.
Clarke and his side were in the same situation in the delayed Euro 2020 after losing to the Czech Republic and drawing with England but they fell well short in their final game, losing 3-1 to Croatia at Hampden Park.
However, the Scotland boss believes he and his squad have used the intervening years wisely.
"We feel good," said Clarke. "We thought it might come down to needing to get something out of the last game in the group.
"We've been in this position before at the last tournament but hopefully we can show that we've learned a few lessons.
"There has been a lot of recovery, a lot of rest, hopefully some good information for the players.
"We had a really good training session this morning and when they cross the white line they have to put that information into practice and hopefully you see the results at the end.
"The players have got a hell of a lot more experience. If we can qualify more regularly for these tournaments, you understand what you're doing.
"I think we've done a lot of things right this time that maybe we didn't get quite right the last time.
"Hopefully when we get to the last game the proof of the pudding is in the eating if you like, so that's what we're after.
"Hopefully we go to the match tomorrow and we do what we're good at. If we do that we've got a chance."
Scottish FA president Mike Mulraney says tonight's Euro 2024 match against Hungary is about more than just making history on the pitch.
He reckons the financial legacy of the tournament is hugely important too:
"It's all about facilities in Scotland. Our facilities require upgrading, our facilities need renewing - and if we quality that all goes towards rebuilding the infrastructure of Scottish football."
Kick off in Stuttgart is at 8pm.