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By Julien Pretot
PARIS, Sept 12 (Reuters) - Scotland took command of Euro 2008 qualifying Group B after James McFadden's second-half strike gave them a surprise 1-0 win in France on Wednesday.
McFadden struck from 25 metres in the 64th minute as Scotland clinched their second victory against the World Cup finalists in their bid to reach next year's finals.
Alex McLeish's side have 21 points from nine games and lead Italy, who grabbed a 2-1 win in Ukraine, by one point.
France, who had the clearest chances in the second half, conceded their first goal in six matches and dropped to third place two points off the pace.
The home side had not played a qualifying match at the Parc des Princes since missing out on a World Cup spot in November 1993 when they lost 2-1 to Bulgaria.
They were first into the action with David Trezeguet volleying wide from a Franck Ribery cross in the 15th minute.
Trezeguet, who had not played for France since their 1-0 defeat by Argentina at the Stade de France in February, was replacing the suspended Thierry Henry.
BEST CHANCE
However, Scotland were barely troubled as Les Bleus failed to break down the wings.
France had their best chance 10 minutes into the second half when Ribery, set up by Trezeguet, saw his effort parried by goalkeeper Craig Gordon.
One minute later, Gordon pulled off a superb save to deny Nicolas Anelka.
But it was Scotland who went ahead when McFadden benefited from a poor clearance by the French defence and beat goalkeeper Mickael Landreau with a superb 25-metre drive.
Landreau had not conceded a goal in his seven previous appearances for Les Bleus.
France coach Raymond Domenech added fresh legs 15 minutes from time when he replaced midfielder Patrick Vieira with playmaker Samir Nasri and defender Eric Abidal with striker Karim Benzema.
Though now playing with three strikers, the French could not break the deadlock despite a late attempt by forward Benzema.
France next travel to the Faroe Islands on Oct. 13 when Scotland welcome Ukraine and Italy host Georgia.
