Scotland would still be in the Euros if Rangers' 14-cap goal kicks off

Morocco in 1998, Uruguay in 1986, Croatia in 2021. Now Hungary at Euro 2024 can be added to Scotland's list of glorious failures at major international tournaments.

Steve Clarke knew that a win over the Hungarians would put the nation on four points – and secure a place in the Last 16 – and thus end the run of group stage exits that went into the 1954 World Cup.

His tactics were all wrong, however, setting up a 5-4-1 in a game that called for the Scots to attack the Hungarian's formation.

The proof is in the pudding. Throughout the 90 minutes, Scotland managed one shot on target, and that went into extra time at the end of the game. However, they could receive a fine to pass on.

Che Adams was given the job of leading the line, but he was poor and failed to enter the game.

Che Adams performance in numbers vs Hungary

The Southampton striker had started the previous two group games without much success – failing to find the back of the net in both – and it was perhaps surprising to see Clarke release him against the Hungarians.

In all his 76 minutes on the field, Adams completed only 11 passes, won two duels, lost the goal nine times and caught only one shot, which came from a certain distance, and failed to contribute to the attack.

This was a game that was eagerly awaited for the number 9 to be released in the box and given opportunities to score goals. Why, then, was Lawrence Shankland not brought on until the 76th minute?

Shankland's trial will begin

By the 2023/24 season for Hearts, Shankland had scored 31 goals while also providing eight assists in all competitions.

The stunning comeback also boosted his claims to be the starting striker at the Euros. There is a reason, of course, that he has been endlessly linked with Rangers in recent months.

Unfortunately for the 14-cap star, Clarke preferred a more efficient approach, calling Scotland up against Switzerland and Hungary.

When the 28-year-old came off the bench on Sunday night, he posed a greater threat than Adams, winning 100% of his aerial duels, making one key pass and attempting a third.

The dynamic of the team changed when Shankland came on, with Scotland looking more dangerous as the clock ticked down to the final whistle.

While he may not have the same work rate as Adams, in a game where three points were a necessity, surely letting go of Scotland's top goalscorer would have been the most sensible option?

Alas, Euro 2024 will go down as yet another failure in Scotland's history at major international tournaments, which will hopefully be a positive change going forward.

Clarke has done amazing things with this squad. But qualifying for tournaments is not the goal now; doing well in them and making it through to the knockout stages.

The country may end almost thirteen years of waiting to appear in the World Cup in the next two years. If Clarke is still in charge then, things must be different, otherwise it will be the same result – weeks of construction followed by yet another case of glorious failure.