Scots shock France with Paris win

PARIS, France -- Scotland pulled off a tremendous 1-0 victory over France in Paris and enhanced their chances of qualifying for the Euro 2008 finals from a really tough group.

They climbed above group leaders France, who slipped down to third below Italy, who were 2-1 winners in Ukraine. The Scots have 21 points, Italy 20 and France remain on 19.

After surviving a first-half of almost total French domination, lone striker James McFadden fired home a glorious 30-yard drive in the 63rd minute to give Scotland a notable double over the French.

Alex McLeish's side now have two of their last three games at Hampden Park. to the Scots, who looked unlikely winners for most of the match.

With only McFadden in attack, and Paul Hartley protecting the back four, France soon took control.

Florent Malouda and Franck Ribery posed early threats before David Trezeguet wasted a good chance.

Malouda put in a weak low drive before the Scots won a couple of corners in quick succession thanks to McFadden.

Darren Fletcher was shown a yellow card for a foul on Malouda, ruling him out of the Ukraine game in October.

In the 26th minute Stephen Pearson replaced Fletcher who appeared to have injured himself in the tackle on the Chelsea midfielder.

Despite their domination, the French raised few threats, but in the 55th minute Anelka presented Ribery with the best chance of the game with a clever dink just inside the Scotland penalty area.

Ribery's left-footed strike from 12 yards was parried by Gordon and the France midfielder blasted the rebound high over the bar.

Brown tipped Anelka's shot from 12 yards over the bar, before Hartley was booked for hacking down Ribery.

In the 63rd minute Scotland turned the game on its head with the game's decisive moment. The ball broke to McFadden at least 30 yards from goal and, out of the blue, the Everton striker drove a glorious shot into the top corner.

Although Andriy Shevchenko was on target for the Ukraine, with a 72nd minute equalizer, two goals from Antonio Di Natale gave Italy an important victory. E-mail to a friend