Wednesday, September 19, 2007

McLeish hails one of Scots greatest goals

Scotland coach Alex McLeish said his team had scored one of the country's greatest goals in their shock 1-0 away win over France on Wednesday.
James McFadden struck on 64 minutes to earn the Scots all three points and top spot in Euro 2008 qualifying Group B with 21 points from nine games.

Italy, who beat Ukraine 2-1, are second on 20 points with France two points off the pace.

"It was one of the greatest and one of the most important goals of Scottish football," a delighted McLeish said..

"It needed the passion Scottish teams always have...It was very difficult to get this result. We needed a special performance and the players have shown fantastic confidence today."

Scotland also beat France 1-0 last October at Hampden Park in their bid to reach next year's European championship finals in Austria and Switzerland.

But they had not won on French soil since a 1-0 victory in Colombes 57 years ago.

Everton forward McFadden benefited from a poor clearance by the French defence to beat Mickael Landreau with a 25-metre drive.

France coach Raymond Domenech rued his team's missed chances.

"We played well but we lacked some success," he told a news conference. "We played better than in the first leg, we had more chances.

"The next three matches will be decisive. To qualify for the Euro finals, you have to fight and the players know that very well."

France still have to play the Faroe Islands and Ukraine away and Lithuania at home.

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