Was it the biggest night in Scottish soccer history? That’s the debate this morning in Edinburgh after Scotland pulled off a stunning 1-0 victory in Paris over France, giving the Tartan Army the advantage over both France and Italy in the remaining three Euro 2008 qualifiers. Said the Herald: “James McFadden’s goal is not only one of the best in Scotland’s back catalogue but it could also prove one of the most important.” From nearly 30 yards out, McFadden controlled the ball, took a touch find to space and unleashed a venomous left-footed shot that went beyond the outstretched arms of France keeper Mickael Landreau.
“I do not know if it is the best result ever because I don’t know the whole history but it must be the best in modern times,” Scotland manager Alex McLeish said after the match. “We came to try to take something from the game, be it a point or three, but nobody in world football would have expected this result … except us. We have given the Scotland fans something to really celebrate and made the nation very happy.”
It was a fine team performance from the Scots, who doggedly defended wave after wave of French attack. Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka had one clean look at goal deflected away brilliantly by Sunderland keeper Craig Brown, but aside from that, the French never really managed to breakdown the Scottish defense. The win, coupled with a 3-1 victory against Lithuania on Saturday, catapulted the Scots into first place in Group B, arguably the most difficult group in qualifying.