Scotland: ‘No way we will lose at home to Hungary’ – Pedro Martinez Losa

While Scotland have undoubtedly improved since that defeat by their neighbours at Hampden, this is still a side who have questions to answer.

Martinez Losa was back in Budapest, where, just over three years ago, he led the national team for the first time.

The aim then was to qualify for the 2023 World Cup, but the Scots failed to do that after enduring an agonising play-off loss to Republic of Ireland. Again, that was at home – at Hampden.

Only recently has the hurt from that near miss started to fade. Nine of the squad that faced Hungary also started against Ireland and felt the weight of the nation’s disappointment particularly deeply.

Now there is an unbelievably heavy expectation to, at least, reach the final play-off stage.

Martinez Losa is steadfast in his belief Scotland have developed since their last play-off heartache.

They were outmuscled in a particularly strong League A group last year but rediscovered their groove and grit in the recent unbeaten League B campaign.

Against Hungary, a fellow League B side, they faced an aggressive and powerful attack, the kind they would face at major tournaments.

The head coach, though, said Scotland are “stable” and “competitive”.

“I think we have shown the team that we are competitive,” he said. “We keep concentration and don’t make mistakes in key moments.

“We are a very stable team. We’re not afraid to defend properly and be concentrated.

“We had some good moments of football, but when you play away from home, it’s not simple.

“Although the score is tight, just 1-0, we didn’t concede and we know there’s no way we’re going to lose the game at home in Scotland.”

As Martinez Losa and his players fly back home to ready themselves for Tuesday’s second leg, there may be a few raised eyebrows greeting them give his dismissal of Hungary’s chances of a comeback.