Scotland again upset France 1-0 in European Championship qualifying Wednesday, while Italy and England strengthened as each won.

James McFadden scored with a long-range goal in the 64th minute at Parc des Princes, lifting the Scots to the top of Group B with 21 points.

Scotland players celebrate their win at the final whistle of the EURO 2008 Qualifying soccer match at the Par des Princes, Paris Wednesday. Scotland won the match 1-0.(Photo: Shanghai Daily) 

"I think we can say it's the best (Scotland) result of modern times," Scotland manager Alex McLeish said.

France, missing suspended striker Thierry Henry, also lost to Scotland 1-0 in October.

"It's hard to do better than that, scoring off your only shot," France coach Raymond Domenech said.

Italy beat Ukraine 2-1 to move into second place with 20 points, pushing France down to third with 19. Ukraine has 13 points.

Antonio Di Natale scored two goals for Italy. He headed in Christian Panucci's cross from the left in the 41st minute and added his second in the 77th. In between, Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko beat Gianluigi Buffon in the 71st.

"We showed a lot of character," Italy coach Roberto Donadoni said. "We're still a step behind physically but we're improving."

Only two countries from each of the seven groups advance to the final tournament in Austria and Switzerland.

(Xinhua News Agency September 13, 2007)