Scotland sit proudly at the top of Euro 2008 qualifying Group B after a fabulous win over France at Hampden.

 

Thierry Henry hit the post as France dominated the first 45 minutes but Scotland improved after the interval.

 

And Gary Caldwell, who was outstanding in defence, turned goal hero when he stabbed the ball home from a Paul Hartley corner kick on 67 minutes.

 

France enjoyed the bulk of possession but Walter Smith's well-organised team worked hard for a famous victory.

 

James McFadden was given the role of lone striker and he gave the French a fright inside the first few minutes.

 

The Everton forward robbed Lilian Thuram as the Barcelona defender tried to usher the ball out of play but his attempted cross was blocked and his follow-up shot struck team-mate Hartley.

 

But the visitors soon began to dictate play and went very close with a curling Henry free-kick that struck the post.

 

Patrick Vierra headed in from a Franck Ribery free-kick after 17 minutes but the France captain had strayed marginally offside.

 

The linesman's flag came to the rescue again, when David Trezeguet's overhead kick found the net, and Florent Malouda blazed a shot high and wide as France continued to press.

 

Craig Gordon then made a fine diving save to keep out a stinging Malouda strike from distance.

 

Scotland earned a corner after a rare surge forward on 37 minutes but goalkeeper Gregory Coupet gathered Caldwell's header comfortably.

 

McFadden stole in behind the French defence early in the second-half to meet Darren Fletcher's well-placed pass but wildly slashed at his shot from a tight angle and failed to test Coupet.

 

France lost the passing fluency that had seen them dominate the first-half but Scotland continued to lose possession cheaply and put themselves under pressure.

 

However, Scotland were getting forward more often and their endeavour was rewarded with a goal on 67 minutes.

 

Hartley swung in a corner from the right and, with the French defence static, Caldwell threw himself at the ball to slide in a shot from eight yards.

 

France poured forward in the closing stages but the Scots packed men behind the ball and tackled with tenacity.

 

Henry had a fantastic chance to level the game with three minutes remaining but tamely headed straight at Gordon from close range and Scotland held on to make it three wins from three in the race for Euro 2008.

 

 

Excellent news for the Scots!!!

Great result, a team that is gradually getting better and better

I still don't think Scotland will qualify to be honnest, but if they get points against the Ukraine on Wednesday who knows what is possible!

Well Done Scotland, your team is putting to shame your overpaid South of the Border rivals at the moment.

:yahoo: Well done the lads.

 

the win will do wonders for morale, just hope they don't get too cocky and mess it up..............but what a score :cheer:

I honestly had to do a double-take when I heard this result, I mean, Scotland beating FRANCE!!!! :o :o

 

Has to be said though, if we're being honest, the Viera goal would have been given nine times out of ten.... But I think Scotland's well overdue for some good luck.....

 

Getting rid of Bungling Berti was the best thing that could've happened for the team, Walter Smith has truly transformed the team....