“PICK it out Landreau!”
Those were the words of Radio Clyde commentator Peter Martin as James McFadden’s stunning strike at the Parc des Princes sailed past a desparing French keeper.
On an incredible evening in Paris, Scotland emerged victorious against the World Cup runners-up for a second time that qualifying campaign.
And what a way to do it!
McFadden, already a fan favourite with the Tartan Army, was elevated to legendary status with his 30-yard wondergoal that stunned the opposition.
The French team that night included the likes of Nicholas Anelka, Claude Makelele and David Trezeguet.
But it was Scotland’s firm resolve and a touch of magic that emerged victorious.
McFadden, who was an Everton player at the time, said in a post-match interview: “We trained last night and the balls were flying everywhere, so I thought, why not?
“We came here and nobody expected us to get anything, but we’ve got so much belief in this team, and we’ve shown through again.”
https://twitter.com/WeAreSTV2/status/907298656721743872
Scotland boss Alex McLeish said at the time that it was ‘one of the greatest nights of my football life’.
Despite the victories in France and at Hampden, the qualifying campaign ended in disappointment.
In typical Scotland style, a defeat away in Georgia and a heart-breaking loss at Hampden to Italy meant that once again the Tartan Army would have to stay at home during a major tournament.
But at least they had the memory of that night in Paris.
McFadden, who recently signed a short-term playing deal with Queen of the South, today told the BBC: “That was a special night, but I would have taken one appearance for Scotland to score a goal that’s talked about now, 10 years after the event – it’s brilliant for me.”
The teams that day
France: Landreau, Lassana Diarra, Thuram, Escude, Abidal (Benzema 77), Ribery, Vieira (Nasri 69), Makelele, Malouda, Trezeguet, Anelka.
Subs Not Used: Frey, Evra, Toulalan, Clerc, Mexes.
Scotland: Gordon, Hutton, McManus, Weir, Alexander, McCulloch, Ferguson, Fletcher (Pearson 26), Brown, Hartley, McFadden (O’Connor 76).
Subs Not Used: McGregor, McEveley, Caldwell, Boyd, Maloney.
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