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Fans head home after historic win | |
(about 11 hours later) | |
Thousands of jubilant fans are making their way home after celebrating "one of the best games in Scotland's football history". | |
Scotland beat France 1-0 in the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier, with a stunning strike from Everton's James McFadden. | Scotland beat France 1-0 in the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier, with a stunning strike from Everton's James McFadden. |
First Minister Alex Salmond praised the team for an "outstanding match". | |
The win, which was the first on French soil for 57 years, was a repeat of the victory over France in October last year at Hampden Park. | |
Manager Alex McLeish said after the match that it was the best Scottish football result "of modern times". | Manager Alex McLeish said after the match that it was the best Scottish football result "of modern times". |
He said: "We weren't given a prayer and we have said that the team is not as gifted as other Scottish teams but we showed tonight that we can play football as well." | |
'Brilliant result' | |
Mr Salmond, who watched the game at his official residence, Bute house in Edinburgh, said: "The team played an outstanding match - one of the best games in Scotland's football history. | |
"Well done to Alex and the lads. There's an air of optimism sweeping the country." | |
Prime Minister Gordon Brown also celebrated the win by contacting Alex McLeish on his mobile immediately after the final whistle to pass on his congratulations. | |
"It was a magnificent victory, a tremendous effort by all the players and Alex and his backroom staff," said Mr Brown. | |
"In all my days following Scotland, I can't think of a better result." | |
Gary Bannatyne, secretary of the Cumbernauld branch of the Tartan Army, was in the Park des Prince stadium to see the historic win. | |
Fans were jubilant after McFadden scored | |
"The result was amazing, unbelievable - no-one can believe it," he said. | |
"It's probably the best ever result for Scotland. | |
"It's really, really up there, probably because we were away from home. That's what has made it so special." | |
Scotland are now top of their group with three matches remaining - against Ukraine, Georgia and Italy. | Scotland are now top of their group with three matches remaining - against Ukraine, Georgia and Italy. |
The Scots were last night made 6/4 on by bookmakers William Hill to reach the Euro 2008 finals. | |
If the team qualify, it will be Scotland's first appearance at a major finals since the World Cup in 1998. | |
Sports Minister Stewart Maxwell said the win was a "brilliant result". |