Henry shines but Scots face crunch

TBILISI, Georgia -- Scotland face the prospect of having to beat world champions Italy in their final qualifying clash if they are to reach the 2008 European Championships finals after slumping to a 2-0 defeat in Georgia on Wednesday.

France went top of Group B with a Thierry Henry-inspired 2-0 win over Lithuania that saw the Barcelona striker set a new national goalscoring record by overhauling Michel Platini's career haul.

Henry netted twice in a minute with the game seemingly heading for a goalless draw -- and the result leaves France on 25 points, Scotland on 24 and Italy on 23 but with a game in hand over the top two.

Henry scored in the 79th and 80th minutes to give him 43 goals in 96 games. Platini, now the head of European soccer's governing body, had 41 goals in 72 games for France from 1976-87.

"It really pleases me, especially as they are important goals," said Henry, who made his debut for France in 1997. "It's beyond me."

Henry put France ahead when he ran onto a loose ball inside the penalty area and beat goalkeeper Zydrunas Karcemarskas. He then collected Jeremy Toulalan's pass from midfield and finished coolly.

"It was really not easy tonight. At one stage, I thought we would not make it," Henry said. "I thought of my father (when I scored). He is not well at the moment. Without him, I would not be here. I will give this jersey to him."

Levan McHedlidze rewarded Georgia for their early industry when the 17-year-old Italy-based player headed home from a corner after 16 minutes of his first full appearance.

David Siradze wrapped up the points -- and only Georgia's third win in 11 Group B ties -- after 64 minutes.

Scotland, who face the Italians at Hampden Park on November 17, were adamant that they should have been awarded a first half penalty.

Everton striker James McFadden, hero of last month's win in France, was furious when his 35th minute claims were rejected after being fouled by Blackburn's Zurab Khizanishvili right in front of the referee.

Scots manager Alex McLeish said: "It just wasn't our night. The big decisions didn't go our way and we lacked that little bit of quality that has served us so well throughout the campaign.

"It was disappointing not to get a penalty just before half time as that would have changed the whole complexion of the game.

"Instead Georgia were able to hit us on the break and score a second goal but you have to give them credit.

"They played very well, had players with great touch and overall we were a wee bit short on quality."

McFadden had earlier fired into the side netting from Kenny Miller's low cross as Scotland struggled to find their touch.

Georgia dictated the tempo and McHedlidze forced a good save from Gordon with a low long-range shot which bounced awkwardly in front of the Sunderland goalkeeper.

Scotland were struggling to make much headway, with McFadden dispossessed on the edge of the area as he looked to provide the spark.

Georgia countered and won a free-kick when McManus was adjudged to have bundled over Levan Kenia. McManus contested the decision and was booked, along with Jaba Kankava.

Kvirkvelia brought a great save from Gordon from the resulting set-piece, but Georgia were not to be denied as Siradze netted the second.

He finished coolly in front of goal after Kvirkvelia cut the Scots open with a run and cross from the right.

Kris Boyd crossed for fellow substitute Craig Beattie but his header failed to trouble Georgia's teenage goalkeeper George Makaridze who was also starting his first full senior international.

It was not until the 75th minute that Georgia's keeper George Makaridze had a shot to save, the teenager dealing comfortably with McFadden's 25-yard free-kick.

McFadden also shot well over when presented with another free-kick 10 minutes from time on a disappointing night for Scotland. E-mail to a friend