STUTTGART, Germany — Hungarian striker Barnabás Varga is in stable condition in hospital after breaking several bones in his face in a mid-air collision with Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn during Sunday's 1-0 win in Stuttgart.
Hungarian substitute Kevin Csoboth scored the only goal in the 100th and final minute of a match that went into such long injury time largely because Varga received prolonged on-field treatment.
Gunn and Varga collided in the 68th minute as they struggled to deflect Dominik Szoboszlai's free kick. Varga appeared to suffer a reaction to the crash, prompting his teammates to angrily call for medical assistance.
Hungary captain and Liverpool midfielder Szoboszlai wheeled out the stretcher along with the medical staff carrying it, while many fans behind the goal expressed their anger at the slowness with which it came to Varga's aid.
Officials then raised sheets to protect Varga from the crowd as they treated him for several minutes before he was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was expected to undergo surgery.
The Hungarian Football Federation published in X: “Barnabás Varga's condition is stable. The Hungarian national team player is currently in one of the hospitals in Stuttgart.”
The federation later released an update, stating that Varga had broken “several bones” in his face and also “suffered a concussion.” The statement added that he will spend the night in a hospital in Stuttgart.
Speaking after the match, Hungarian coach Marco Rossi said: “I don't know if he suffered a collision with the goalkeeper or with an opponent because it was a confusing situation. That's why VAR was checking if it was a penalty or not.
“What I heard from the players is that Barney at that time did not seem conscious, so everyone was very concerned about his condition and also the fact that the doctors arrived a little late, we can say, but they probably didn't. “I realize it was a dangerous situation.”
“Fortunately I can now say that Barney is not at risk in any way,” Rossi added. “He will probably have surgery [on] in the next few hours because here he suffered a fracture [points to face]. But he is healthy. The most important thing is that he is healthy.
“Of course, and surely if we pass the competition, he will no longer be part of the team.”
After Csoboth's game-winning goal, Szoboszlai carried Varga's jersey onto the field to celebrate.
Player of the match Roland Sallai, who assisted on the decisive goal, said: “Of course, it was a terrible incident. Of course, we fought for him in the remaining 15 or 20 minutes. We would have liked to win for him and we are very happy to have achieved it. We dedicate it to him.
