Scots plot French resistance

Hampden has witnessed its fair share of dramatic games and Scotland's Euro 2008 victory over France last October has to rate as one of the best.

Walter Smith's side were given next to no chance against the World Cup finalists, who boasted some of the most skilful players on the planet.

But Scots passion and guile triumphed over French artistry - and Gary Caldwell's goal secured a memorable victory.

While the defeat appeared to suck the life out of the cocky French players, they have since got their breath back and are intent on exacting their revenge.

Alex McLeish has succeeded Walter Smith as Scotland coach since that famous Hampden victory, but Raymond Domenech, who cut such a lonely figure on the touchline amid the pandemonium, remains in charge of the French.

Attention now turns to Paris and Wednesday night's crucial Euro 2008 qualifier.

France lead Group B on 19 points after eight games, one ahead of Scotland and two clear of Italy.

Tartan Army foot soldiers will remember the last time Scotland played the French in Paris.

On 27 March, 2002, Bertie Vogts was in charge of Scotland for the first time as his side were on the receiving end of a 5-0 mauling.

Goals from Zinedine Zidane, a David Trezeguet brace, and further strikes from Thierry Henry and Steve Marlet left the Scots limping towards the tunnel at full-time.

The Scots are a far different proposition in 2007, but France will be keen to avenge that Hampden defeat.

Henry, who was strangely subdued last October, has swapped Arsenal for the sunnier climes of Barcelona.

But a booking in the goalless draw with Italy in the San Siro on Sunday means he misses the Scotland game through suspension.

Trezeguet and Nicholas Anelka will be charged with breaching Scotland's defence on Wednesday.

Domenech has raised concerns about the standard of the pitch.

South Africa played Samoa in the Rugby World Cup at the Parc des Princes on Sunday.

The French coach said a poor pitch would force his side into playing high balls against the Scots.

Alex McLeish's side will be up for the battle.

The former Rangers, Hibs and Motherwell manager has continued to build from the foundations laid by Walter Smith, and fashioned a side which is difficult to beat.

McLeish said it would be madness to play the same 4-4-2 formation which yielded victory against Lithuania when they enter the lion's den in Paris.

The Scots will opt for a 4-5-1 formation, with Kris Boyd likely to spearhead the attack.

The question is whether Scotland can complete a magnifique double over their much-fancied opponents on Wednesday.

Only time and another nerve-shredding 90 minutes in Paris will tell.

Source: BBC Sport