Scotland slip to 4th

[DavidMc]

Scotland slip to 4th after France and Italy win

Scotland have slipped from second to fourth in their Euro 2008 qualifying group after France and Italy won.
France now top Group B after beating Ukraine 2-0 at the Stade de France in Paris, with goals from Franck Ribery and Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka.

Italy also leapfrogged Ukraine with victory over the Faroe Islands.

However, the world champions made heavy weather of their trip away from home and edged the match 2-1 after a brace from AC Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi.

"They were never dangerous and they only had one chance, which they scored from," said Italy coach Roberto Donadoni after seeing his side win in torrential rain.

"I'm not going to talk about a bitter victory because when you win, you can't be disappointed."

New French President Nicolas Sarkozy was among a capcity crowd that saw France score two clinical second-half goals against a defensively-minded Ukraine outfit.

"Our first objective was to get the three points," said France coach Raymond Domenech.

"The second was to move the ball around, and the third was to feel something with the fans, to share some pleasure. We succeeded on all three fronts.

"It's not until the end of the battle that we will see who goes through and I remind you that we have to go to Ukraine for our last match. It would be better to have some points in hand."

In the group's other match Hearts midfielder Saulius Mikoliunas scored Lithuania's winner against Georgia.

Lithuania will hope to maintain that momentum when they host Italy on Wednesday, when France welcome Georgia and Scotland travel to the Faroe Islands.

As long as we win our matches, im happy. No-one expects us to qualify from a group with Italy, France and Ukraine, so we are doing well just to be in with a chance. What has been good for Scotland though is the number of young players we have in the squad. A few years ago we had a lot of old players, but now we have the likes of Darren Fletcher, James McFadden, Kris Boyd, and many more who have become major players for both club and country.

I will be glad to see McFadden return to fitness as he is a class player and a player we miss badly.

[LAF]

What we need is for the three above us to start slitting each others throats (so to speak). It's still very tight and anything can happen.

As long as we finish above the Ukraine I'll be happy (help with our pot come the WC draw).

[DavidMc]

When looking at the games coming up on Wednesday, we could really benefit. I wouldnt be surprised if France or Italy dropped points in their respective matches. Lithuania are difficult side to beat, as are Georgia. I hope we don't have any problems against the Faroes. I know we shouldnt, but its always at the back of your mind. We need a reasonably early goal to settle nerves.

[LAF]

Kris Boyd needs a shave and get his finger out infront of goal after the shocker he had on Wednesday.

We'll get chances, we just need to take them.

[DavidMc]

i think Boyd will score a few against the Faroes. Didnt see the game against Austria, but from what ive been told, he played well although he missed a few chances. McLeish praised his performance aswell. I know he can be lazy at times though and look un-interested, but as long as he puts the ball in the back of the net.

[LAF]

That's the thing though when he misses sitters he should be criticised because that's the only positive thing he brings to a team.

His movement was good but he has to convert atleast one.

[DavidMc]

He needs to grab a couple of goals against the Faroes. Always a slight bit of nerves when Scotland play so called ''easy teams''

Hope we get an early goal to calm everyone down. They will dig in and try and keep it 0-0 as long as possible. Dont want to see Scotland playing defensively, got to go right at them from the first whistle.

[LAF]

Hopefully it's like the first game we played, this campaign.

[kenny hoggan]

dont really think theres anything to worry about, weve exceeded all expectations of ourselves, were doin better than england who are in an easier group, the squad will be better with nasiy in it, not just saying that because im a killie fan, but hes got a good chance of a run-out on wed, hope he gets on the second half at some point, scottish football is moving in the right direction, looking like a good future for us

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Scotland have no chance in the world in a group with Italy and France.

[LAF]

We've already topped the group mate. But I really can't see us qualifying.