A second-half strike by Everton striker James McFadden gave Scotland a stunning 1-0 victory over France at Parc Des Princes in the Euro 2008 qualifiers on Wednesday. After the hosts wasted a host of opportunities, McFadden scored four minutes past the hour mark to silence the home crowd. He controlled a long ball in France's own half and fired a powerful long-range shot that was misjudged by keeper Mickael Landreau, who tipped it into his own net. Scotland leapfrogged France to Group B's summit with 21 points while Les Blues slipped to third spot on 19 points. Italy moved to second place in the group following a precious 2-1 away victory over Ukraine, thanks to a brace from Antonio Di Natale. The Udinese striker broke the deadlock five minutes before the break with a close-range header but Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko drew Ukraine level in the 72nd minute after capitalizing on a goal-mouth scramble to fire home.
Owen scored twice Di Natale struck home four minutes later following a one-on-one situation to restore the Azzurri's lead and lead them to a much-needed win, following the country's disappointing goalless draw with France. In Group E, Michael Owen continued his recent fine form after notching twice in England's crushing 3-0 victory over Russia at Wembley. The Newcastle striker, who scored a brilliant goal against Israel in the weekend, opened the scoring after seven minutes when he controlled Gareth Barry's cross inside the area and side-footed into the bottom corner. He doubled the lead in the 31st minute after smashing a superb volley into the roof of the net from just inside the area. Defender Rio Ferdinand wrapped up the victory six minutes from time after his shot deceived the keeper and went into the back of the net. The victory put England in second place of the group with 20 points, three adrift of leaders Croatia who humiliated Andorra 6-0.
