Hungary’s Varga suffers facial fractures in clash

STUTTGART, Germany — Hungary striker Barnabás Varga is in stable condition in the hospital after breaking several bones in his face in a midair collision with Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn during Sunday’s 1-0 win in Stuttgart.

Hungary substitute Kevin Csoboth scored the only goal in the 100th and final minute of a game that had such lengthy stoppage time largely due to Varga receiving prolonged treatment on the field.

Gunn and Varga collided in the 68th minute as they battled to meet Dominik Szoboszlai’s free kick. Varga appeared to suffer a reaction to the clash, which prompted his teammates to signal furiously for medical assistance.

Hungary captain and Liverpool midfielder Szoboszlai pulled the stretcher along with the medical staff carrying it as many fans behind the goal voiced their anger at how slow it was brought to Varga’s aid.

Officials then held sheets up to shield Varga from the crowd as he was tended to for several minutes before being taken to a nearby hospital, where he was expected to undergo an operation.

The Hungarian Football Federation posted on X: “Barnabás Varga’s condition is stable. The Hungarian national team player is currently in one of the hospitals in Stuttgart.”

The federation later posted an update, stating that Varga had broken “several bones” in his face and also “suffered a concussion.” The statement added that he would spend the night in a Stuttgart hospital.

Speaking after the game, Hungary boss Marco Rossi said, “I don’t know if he suffered a collision with the goalkeeper or with an opponent because it was a confused situation. That’s why the VAR was checking if it was a penalty or not.

“What I heard from the players is that Barney in that moment did not look conscious, so everybody was really worried about his condition and also worried about the fact that the doctors arrived a little late, we can say, but probably they didn’t realise it was a dangerous situation.”

“Fortunately now, I can say that Barney is not under any kind of risk,” Rossi added. “Probably, he will be operated [on] in the coming hours because he suffered a fracture here [points to face]. But he is healthy. The most important thing is he’s healthy.

“Of course, and for sure if we go through the competition, he will not be any more a part of the team.”

After Csoboth’s match winner, Szoboszlai brought Varga’s shirt onto the pitch to celebrate.

Player of the match Roland Sallai, who assisted on the deciding goal, said, “Naturally, it was a terrible incident. Of course, we were fighting for him in the remaining 15 to 20 minutes. We would have liked to win for him, and we are very happy to have achieved that. We dedicate it to him.”