Wednesday, September 19, 2007
UKRAINE: SHELAYEV 'WE HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE'
(AGI/ITALPRESS) - Kiev, Sept 11 - The last train for Ukraine for Euro2008 passes through Italy. Like his coach Blokhin, Oleh Shelayev is convinced that tomorrow's match against the Azzurri will be decisive for his last chances to qualify for the European cup because if they lose they can forget about Switzerland and Austria. His goal on Saturday was not enough to allow them to win against Georgia: 'We have lost important points in the last match and I didn't see those qualities that could help us defeat Italy. In spite of that, I am optimistic and I am sure that we can take advantage from our last chance.' However, historically, Ukraine has not done well with Italy. In the world cup in Germany Italy won by 3-0 and in the match of the first round Italy won by 2-0. 'But we cannot pretend to be defensive,' said Shelayev. 'We must give our 150-200 percent,' confirmed Andry Shevchenko. 'This is the only way we can obtain a good result. We know that Italy is champion of the world and one of the strongest teams on the planet, if not the strongers.
Finland win in Euro 2008 qualifier
Teemu Tainio kept Finland in the hunt for a spot in the European Championship by scoring the winning goal on Wednesday in a 2-1 victory over Kazakhstan.
The Tottenham midfielder scored through a group players after a corner kick in the 59th minute.
Finland first took the lead in the 13th minute when Alexei Eremenko Jr., the most influential offensive player in the game, chipped the goalkeeper.
Kazakhstan came back when Dimitriy Byakov timed his jump perfectly to head the ball into an empty net in the 23rd, beating Finland goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen in the air.
Finland had a large amount of ball possession, but Kazakhstan goalkeeper David Loriya played well, especially after the interval.
Finland now has 17 points from nine games in Group A, two behind Poland.
The Tottenham midfielder scored through a group players after a corner kick in the 59th minute.
Finland first took the lead in the 13th minute when Alexei Eremenko Jr., the most influential offensive player in the game, chipped the goalkeeper.
Kazakhstan came back when Dimitriy Byakov timed his jump perfectly to head the ball into an empty net in the 23rd, beating Finland goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen in the air.
Finland had a large amount of ball possession, but Kazakhstan goalkeeper David Loriya played well, especially after the interval.
Finland now has 17 points from nine games in Group A, two behind Poland.
PASS ME ANOTHER SLICE OF EUPHORIA
Eck got us high in Paris - now it's up to Old Firm and Dons to keep feelgood factor alive
Traynor
ODD feeling isn't it? And no, I'm not talking about that sensation you get when you look in the mirror in the morning and wonder when the stranger moved in.
But it is peculiar this kind of numbness which has descended like a heavy, damp cloth on the nation's mood.
One moment we are all giving it yahoo in the wake of Scotland's tremendous triumph in Paris and the next we're close to moribund. The pulse has slowed, the exhilaration has subsided and you realise walking on air has a down side.
Gravity always drags you back down and when the adrenalin rush has ended reality slaps you around the head. You look up and see Scotland is still a little nation with big social problems and guess what? It's still bloody raining.
There will be no apologies for helping those of you who are still playing extra time from last week by asking the wife: "Come on Ally vouz the matin?
"Gonnae geeza petite cafe au lait? Oh, et deep fry moi wan ae thae croissants? Gracias doll!"
Advertisement
Sooner or later, though, we have to come back to the real world and that's why Saturday was a letdown. Plenty of matches, loads of goals and incidents and bizarre calls by refs yet it was all still a bit flat.
Blame Big Eck. He sent that team out to beat France. It was he who made us dream about qualifying for Euro2008 and it's his fault the country's population got stuck somewhere between reality and fantasy.
For a few days Scotland was like a huge home for the demented. People wandered around with daft expressions as though matron had doubled the dose of happy pills.
But the feelgood factor subsides and from having been shot through the roof by James McFadden's goal our senses lost elevation and crashed into the basement.
Saturday should have been enjoyable but not even the scoreline from Recreation Park - yes, I know I'm an Airdrie fan and we were at home, but it's always good news when the creepy crawlies are gubbed - could dispel the cloud of apathy.
When Scotland win, when they stand up, reach out and grab the glory there is no better high and it takes time to recover from such delirious times. Usually we need to work at making the normality of our leagues seem exciting but not this time.
The Champions League begins for real tomorrow with Celtic against Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine then Rangers' home tie against Stuttgart. Then, on Thursday Aberdeen take on Dnipro in the UEFA Cup.
These matches have just sort of tip-toed up on us while we were all so focused on Scotland's European Championship exploits. For once the Champions League wasn't allowed head room but now that Big Eck's boys are having a break from national service the biggest club show on earth is about to kick in.
So, too, is the adrenalin. If you are a supporter of football and this country you are about to jump back on to the rollercoaster with the Old Firm and the Dons.
Celtic, of course, are the only side going into Europe with a win behind them. They thrashed Inverness 5-0 while Rangers lost 4-2 at Tynecastle and Aberdeen were beaten 2-1 at home to Motherwell but European competition can bring out the best in players and that's what Walter Smith and Jimmy Calderwood must be hoping.
And Gordon Strachan? He knows he has players capable of turning a match with one touch but even though Celtic were banging them in from all over the place on Saturday the manager knows Shakhtar are a very able outfit.
One of the richest men in Ukraine, Rinat Akhmetov, owns Shakhtar and he spent £41million bringing in seven signings during the summer. They have six Brazilians including youngsters Ilsinho, a £7m full-back, and wide midfield player Willian, who is valued at £9.5m.
The other Brazilians are Fernandinho and Jadson, also midfielders, and front runners Adriano Luis and Brandao, who scored against Celtic a few years back. But he might not play this time because Shakhtar raided Livorno to sign Cristiano Lucarelli, who has just earned a return to the Italian national squad.
Clearly, Akhmetov means business and Shakhtar, who are top of their league, will be extremely tough opponents.
Even so, Strachan has reason for optimism with players such as Shunsuke Nakamura, Massimo Donati and Aiden McGeady on form and Celtic could help resurrect the nation's feelgood factor before we move on to the next night's helping.
Rangers are not in the best shape for their game against Stuttgart but Smith has the consolation of knowing his players can't be so lacklustre two games in a row.
But more than a few of his troops will have to find more than they have shown so far.
DaMarcus Beasley has to do more than flit around the edges of games. He is too easily dispossessed and so far has done nothing more than flatter to deceive.
If the American is really a player Wednesday would be a good time to prove it but Daniel Cousin has to impose himself more often as well. Then there is Alan Hutton who reverted to his old ways on Saturday by lunging into a stupid challenge on Kestutis Ivaskevicius which gave Hearts apenalty at a time when Rangers were dragging themselves back into contention.
Smith's team will have to be at their best if their Champions League campaign is to avoid derailment on the first leg of the trip.
The same applies to Aberdeen, although it is difficult to see who can step forward and score for them. They are having a miserable start in the SPL but one good result at European level can spark a season and that's what Calderwood is looking for.
With a bit of luck the country could be walking on air again by the end of this week and before we know it Scotland will be back in action against Ukraine.
Isn't it great to be alive? Isn't this old game just terrific? And by the way, who is that in the mirror? Can't be me. He's smiling.
Traynor
ODD feeling isn't it? And no, I'm not talking about that sensation you get when you look in the mirror in the morning and wonder when the stranger moved in.
But it is peculiar this kind of numbness which has descended like a heavy, damp cloth on the nation's mood.
One moment we are all giving it yahoo in the wake of Scotland's tremendous triumph in Paris and the next we're close to moribund. The pulse has slowed, the exhilaration has subsided and you realise walking on air has a down side.
Gravity always drags you back down and when the adrenalin rush has ended reality slaps you around the head. You look up and see Scotland is still a little nation with big social problems and guess what? It's still bloody raining.
There will be no apologies for helping those of you who are still playing extra time from last week by asking the wife: "Come on Ally vouz the matin?
"Gonnae geeza petite cafe au lait? Oh, et deep fry moi wan ae thae croissants? Gracias doll!"
Advertisement
Sooner or later, though, we have to come back to the real world and that's why Saturday was a letdown. Plenty of matches, loads of goals and incidents and bizarre calls by refs yet it was all still a bit flat.
Blame Big Eck. He sent that team out to beat France. It was he who made us dream about qualifying for Euro2008 and it's his fault the country's population got stuck somewhere between reality and fantasy.
For a few days Scotland was like a huge home for the demented. People wandered around with daft expressions as though matron had doubled the dose of happy pills.
But the feelgood factor subsides and from having been shot through the roof by James McFadden's goal our senses lost elevation and crashed into the basement.
Saturday should have been enjoyable but not even the scoreline from Recreation Park - yes, I know I'm an Airdrie fan and we were at home, but it's always good news when the creepy crawlies are gubbed - could dispel the cloud of apathy.
When Scotland win, when they stand up, reach out and grab the glory there is no better high and it takes time to recover from such delirious times. Usually we need to work at making the normality of our leagues seem exciting but not this time.
The Champions League begins for real tomorrow with Celtic against Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine then Rangers' home tie against Stuttgart. Then, on Thursday Aberdeen take on Dnipro in the UEFA Cup.
These matches have just sort of tip-toed up on us while we were all so focused on Scotland's European Championship exploits. For once the Champions League wasn't allowed head room but now that Big Eck's boys are having a break from national service the biggest club show on earth is about to kick in.
So, too, is the adrenalin. If you are a supporter of football and this country you are about to jump back on to the rollercoaster with the Old Firm and the Dons.
Celtic, of course, are the only side going into Europe with a win behind them. They thrashed Inverness 5-0 while Rangers lost 4-2 at Tynecastle and Aberdeen were beaten 2-1 at home to Motherwell but European competition can bring out the best in players and that's what Walter Smith and Jimmy Calderwood must be hoping.
And Gordon Strachan? He knows he has players capable of turning a match with one touch but even though Celtic were banging them in from all over the place on Saturday the manager knows Shakhtar are a very able outfit.
One of the richest men in Ukraine, Rinat Akhmetov, owns Shakhtar and he spent £41million bringing in seven signings during the summer. They have six Brazilians including youngsters Ilsinho, a £7m full-back, and wide midfield player Willian, who is valued at £9.5m.
The other Brazilians are Fernandinho and Jadson, also midfielders, and front runners Adriano Luis and Brandao, who scored against Celtic a few years back. But he might not play this time because Shakhtar raided Livorno to sign Cristiano Lucarelli, who has just earned a return to the Italian national squad.
Clearly, Akhmetov means business and Shakhtar, who are top of their league, will be extremely tough opponents.
Even so, Strachan has reason for optimism with players such as Shunsuke Nakamura, Massimo Donati and Aiden McGeady on form and Celtic could help resurrect the nation's feelgood factor before we move on to the next night's helping.
Rangers are not in the best shape for their game against Stuttgart but Smith has the consolation of knowing his players can't be so lacklustre two games in a row.
But more than a few of his troops will have to find more than they have shown so far.
DaMarcus Beasley has to do more than flit around the edges of games. He is too easily dispossessed and so far has done nothing more than flatter to deceive.
If the American is really a player Wednesday would be a good time to prove it but Daniel Cousin has to impose himself more often as well. Then there is Alan Hutton who reverted to his old ways on Saturday by lunging into a stupid challenge on Kestutis Ivaskevicius which gave Hearts apenalty at a time when Rangers were dragging themselves back into contention.
Smith's team will have to be at their best if their Champions League campaign is to avoid derailment on the first leg of the trip.
The same applies to Aberdeen, although it is difficult to see who can step forward and score for them. They are having a miserable start in the SPL but one good result at European level can spark a season and that's what Calderwood is looking for.
With a bit of luck the country could be walking on air again by the end of this week and before we know it Scotland will be back in action against Ukraine.
Isn't it great to be alive? Isn't this old game just terrific? And by the way, who is that in the mirror? Can't be me. He's smiling.
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.
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.
Euro2008 Round Up
The Euro2008 round up from Wednesday's action.
Poland moved a step closer to qualifying for Euro 2008 after a goalless draw against a Finland side that could still join them in Switzerland and Austria.
A sell-out crowd at the Olympiastadion roared on the second-placed hosts, seeking to qualify for the finals of a major tournament for the first time, but they could not find a way past Poland keeper Artur Boruc.
The Finns' Jussi Jaaskelainen was also a busy man in a pulsating game in which each side hit the woodwork.
The stalemate is a good result for Portugal, who will move level on 19 points with Finland in Group A if they beat Serbia later Wednesday.
In the same pool, Belgium's slim chances of making it into the top two are all but over after a 2-2 draw in Kazakhstan.
They had led 2-0 thanks to goals from Karel Geraerts and Kevin Mirallas but a Dmitry Byakov strike and a Samat Smakov penalty earnt the home side a draw.
Defending European champions Greece continue to lead the way in Group C after a 2-2 draw at second-placed Norway.
Sotirios Kyrgiakos twice put Otto Rehhagel's men in front but the hosts levelled on each occasion through John Carew and John Arne Riise.
Group E leaders Croatia took another step towards Austria and Switzerland with a 6-0 thrashing of Andorra.
Darijo Srna, Mladen Petric (two), Niko Kranjcar, Eduardo da Silva and Ivan Rakitic did the damage for a rampant Croatian outfit.
The hosts' misery was completed 14 minutes from time when Genis Garcia was dismissed.
Poland moved a step closer to qualifying for Euro 2008 after a goalless draw against a Finland side that could still join them in Switzerland and Austria.
A sell-out crowd at the Olympiastadion roared on the second-placed hosts, seeking to qualify for the finals of a major tournament for the first time, but they could not find a way past Poland keeper Artur Boruc.
The Finns' Jussi Jaaskelainen was also a busy man in a pulsating game in which each side hit the woodwork.
The stalemate is a good result for Portugal, who will move level on 19 points with Finland in Group A if they beat Serbia later Wednesday.
In the same pool, Belgium's slim chances of making it into the top two are all but over after a 2-2 draw in Kazakhstan.
They had led 2-0 thanks to goals from Karel Geraerts and Kevin Mirallas but a Dmitry Byakov strike and a Samat Smakov penalty earnt the home side a draw.
Defending European champions Greece continue to lead the way in Group C after a 2-2 draw at second-placed Norway.
Sotirios Kyrgiakos twice put Otto Rehhagel's men in front but the hosts levelled on each occasion through John Carew and John Arne Riise.
Group E leaders Croatia took another step towards Austria and Switzerland with a 6-0 thrashing of Andorra.
Darijo Srna, Mladen Petric (two), Niko Kranjcar, Eduardo da Silva and Ivan Rakitic did the damage for a rampant Croatian outfit.
The hosts' misery was completed 14 minutes from time when Genis Garcia was dismissed.
'It Feels Like We Lost It' Says Staunton
The Boys In Green let a 2-1 lead slip with just a few minutes of the match remaining, when hesitance at the back let in Cech to blast home the equaliser for the home side.
Manager Steve Staunton knows that his side threw away the opportunity to gain a much needed win in their Euro2008 qualifying campaign.
With the result, the Republic of Ireland sit in third place in Group D, three points behind the Czech Republic, a deficit that would have been more favourable with a win.
Although the team still came away from tough conditions in Bratislava with a draw, Staunton admits the result feels much worse.
“I’m very disappointed, it feels as if we lost the game, but I suppose the most important thing is that we didn’t lose it,” he told Sky Sports.
“Our retention of the ball was poor, our passing was poor and it cost us in the end. We did far too much work because of sloppy play.
“For the first half hour we did well. We contained them and we were in control. But then two or three passes went astray, they had a couple of shots and we couldn't get out of our own penalty box. We brought it on ourselves,” he continued to the BBC.
“Any time you concede a goal in the last minute you will be disappointed. We didn't get hold of the ball at all and didn't pass it as well as we can so those things have to improve if we are to beat the Czechs.
“If we are going to qualify then we have to win the game in Prague on Wednesday. That would open it again.”
Manager Steve Staunton knows that his side threw away the opportunity to gain a much needed win in their Euro2008 qualifying campaign.
With the result, the Republic of Ireland sit in third place in Group D, three points behind the Czech Republic, a deficit that would have been more favourable with a win.
Although the team still came away from tough conditions in Bratislava with a draw, Staunton admits the result feels much worse.
“I’m very disappointed, it feels as if we lost the game, but I suppose the most important thing is that we didn’t lose it,” he told Sky Sports.
“Our retention of the ball was poor, our passing was poor and it cost us in the end. We did far too much work because of sloppy play.
“For the first half hour we did well. We contained them and we were in control. But then two or three passes went astray, they had a couple of shots and we couldn't get out of our own penalty box. We brought it on ourselves,” he continued to the BBC.
“Any time you concede a goal in the last minute you will be disappointed. We didn't get hold of the ball at all and didn't pass it as well as we can so those things have to improve if we are to beat the Czechs.
“If we are going to qualify then we have to win the game in Prague on Wednesday. That would open it again.”
Wigan boss Hutchings admits Heskey likely to miss Euros
Wigan Athletic boss Chris Hutchings admits Emile Heskey is "touch and go" over whether he'll be fit for England's Euro2008 qualifiers next month.
Hutchings said: "I suppose it is touch and go for those England games now. It all depends on the speed of his recovery.
"From our point of view, we want Emile back as soon as possible, and he is certainly going to be a big miss for us.
"Realistically, we are probably looking at Emile missing between four and six weeks' football.
"If he is back in action any sooner than that it would be a huge bonus."
Describing the incident early in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Fulham at the JJB Stadium, Hutchings added: "It was all very innocuous.
"Emile just slipped on the turf and rolled his ankle, but these things happen sometimes.
"At first we feared it was ligament damage, but the scan revealed a slight hairline fracture of the metatarsal.
"It's very unfortunate for Emile after the week he had with England, and especially as he has started the season so brightly."
Hutchings said: "I suppose it is touch and go for those England games now. It all depends on the speed of his recovery.
"From our point of view, we want Emile back as soon as possible, and he is certainly going to be a big miss for us.
"Realistically, we are probably looking at Emile missing between four and six weeks' football.
"If he is back in action any sooner than that it would be a huge bonus."
Describing the incident early in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Fulham at the JJB Stadium, Hutchings added: "It was all very innocuous.
"Emile just slipped on the turf and rolled his ankle, but these things happen sometimes.
"At first we feared it was ligament damage, but the scan revealed a slight hairline fracture of the metatarsal.
"It's very unfortunate for Emile after the week he had with England, and especially as he has started the season so brightly."
Voronin row with Blokhin boosts Scots
SCOTLAND's prospects in their next Euro2008 qualifier against Ukraine at Hampden next month have been handed an unexpected boost with the news that key man Andrei Voronin looks certain to be left out of the visitors' squad, after the Liverpool forward had a massive bust-up with head coach Oleg Blokhin.
The two men were engaged in a furious touchline row during the 2-1 home defeat to Italy, which has all but ended Ukraine's hopes of qualifying for the finals.
Voronin, who was demoted to the bench by Blokhin due to an alleged lack of match fitness,
failed to control a poor pass from Andriy Shevchenko in the 77th minute, he lost possession to the Italians, who went on to score the winner. This prompted Blokhin to direct a verbal tirade at him from the touchline. Voronin responded in kind, and the row continued in the dressing room after the match.
Blokhin used the post-match press conference to launch a swingeing attack on Voronin, vowing that the star would not play for Ukraine again while he remained in charge. "He caused us to concede a goal," said Blokhin. "I won't allow a player to talk to the head coach in the tone he used. He might be a top player, but he won't play for the national team
The two men were engaged in a furious touchline row during the 2-1 home defeat to Italy, which has all but ended Ukraine's hopes of qualifying for the finals.
Voronin, who was demoted to the bench by Blokhin due to an alleged lack of match fitness,
failed to control a poor pass from Andriy Shevchenko in the 77th minute, he lost possession to the Italians, who went on to score the winner. This prompted Blokhin to direct a verbal tirade at him from the touchline. Voronin responded in kind, and the row continued in the dressing room after the match.
Blokhin used the post-match press conference to launch a swingeing attack on Voronin, vowing that the star would not play for Ukraine again while he remained in charge. "He caused us to concede a goal," said Blokhin. "I won't allow a player to talk to the head coach in the tone he used. He might be a top player, but he won't play for the national team
Scotland confident ahead of Euro2008 qualifier against France
PARIS (AFP) — A confident Scotland are looking to end a 10-year absence from major international tournaments by taking points from world finalists France in the Euro 2008 qualifier in Paris on Wednesday.
Substitute goal scorer in Scotland's 3-1 win over Lithuania at Hampden on Saturday, Jamie McFadden, said that victory and their 1-0 win last October over France had put them in a confident mood.
"We believe we can get a result and I think the way we have been playing backs that up," said the Everton forward. "You need confidence going into games and there is no better confidence than winning games."
Despite their tough draw, Scotland are second in group B, just one point behind leaders France and one point ahead of world champions Italy. If Scotland qualify for Euro 2008, it will be the first time they have competed in an international tournament since the 1998 World Cup in France.
Even defeat at the Parc des Princes would not rule out Scotland going on to claim an unlikely place in the European Championship, with games against Ukraine and Georgia to come next month.
Alex McLeish's side will also be boosted by the return from suspension of skipper and Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson, who is not overawed by his star studded French opponents.
"If you want to play at the highest level these players are the guys you want to play against," said Ferguson.
"Top-quality players. But they're just names, you shouldn't bother about names. I don't. I guess most of our boys won't either."
French coach Raymond Domenech appeared in no danger of underestimating his opponents, especially without the suspended Barcelona striker Thierry Henry who received a yellow card in the 0-0 draw against Italy on Saturday.
"Scotland is a team of fighters who have surpassed themselves in this competition since the beginning," Domenech said.
Domenech was even worried that Sunday's World Cup rugby match between South Africa and Samoa would churn up the Parc des Princes pitch and give an advantage to the defensive Scots who favour the long high balls.
"It's going to ruin the pitch. We need a flat pitch, without the holes," Domenech said.
"With the ground like that we'll have to play lots of high balls - against the Scots. Thanks a lot," added Domenech.
The one bright spot for the French coach was the possible return of Arsenal defender William Gallas, who missed the Italy match with a groin injury but was now training "almost normally."
Substitute goal scorer in Scotland's 3-1 win over Lithuania at Hampden on Saturday, Jamie McFadden, said that victory and their 1-0 win last October over France had put them in a confident mood.
"We believe we can get a result and I think the way we have been playing backs that up," said the Everton forward. "You need confidence going into games and there is no better confidence than winning games."
Despite their tough draw, Scotland are second in group B, just one point behind leaders France and one point ahead of world champions Italy. If Scotland qualify for Euro 2008, it will be the first time they have competed in an international tournament since the 1998 World Cup in France.
Even defeat at the Parc des Princes would not rule out Scotland going on to claim an unlikely place in the European Championship, with games against Ukraine and Georgia to come next month.
Alex McLeish's side will also be boosted by the return from suspension of skipper and Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson, who is not overawed by his star studded French opponents.
"If you want to play at the highest level these players are the guys you want to play against," said Ferguson.
"Top-quality players. But they're just names, you shouldn't bother about names. I don't. I guess most of our boys won't either."
French coach Raymond Domenech appeared in no danger of underestimating his opponents, especially without the suspended Barcelona striker Thierry Henry who received a yellow card in the 0-0 draw against Italy on Saturday.
"Scotland is a team of fighters who have surpassed themselves in this competition since the beginning," Domenech said.
Domenech was even worried that Sunday's World Cup rugby match between South Africa and Samoa would churn up the Parc des Princes pitch and give an advantage to the defensive Scots who favour the long high balls.
"It's going to ruin the pitch. We need a flat pitch, without the holes," Domenech said.
"With the ground like that we'll have to play lots of high balls - against the Scots. Thanks a lot," added Domenech.
The one bright spot for the French coach was the possible return of Arsenal defender William Gallas, who missed the Italy match with a groin injury but was now training "almost normally."
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