Euro 2024 bound Scotland succumb to irresistible France
Steve Clarke's side will be going to Euro 2024 irrespective of 4-1 defeat
Scottish football's week couldn't have gotten any better after they qualified for Euro 2024 with consummate ease earlier in the international break, and not even a 4-1 drubbing at the hands of France in a friendly could dampen their spirits.
Scott McTominay had steered the team into the summer tournament, and hopes are high that the team will not return home too soon in Germany next year.
Whilst not a hugely important result, there will perhaps be some concerns at how easily Scotland capitulated in the face of France's sheer individual quality, especially if they are to meet similarly ranked sides in Germany.
Whilst perhaps unfair to suggest Scotland are so far behind Les Bleus in qualitative terms, the visitors did actually silence the home crowd after 11 minutes.
Billy Gilmour opened the scoring with a fine strike inside the right-hand post, sending the travelling Scots into delirium.
The match was delayed by 10 minutes as a result of enhanced security operations in place outside the stadium, but the hosts didn't delay their riposte to Scotland's opener.
After being ahead for just five minutes, Scotland were pegged back as Antoine Griezmann sent a corner into the penalty area and Benjamin Pavard leapt highest to nod the ball home.
Less than 10 minutes later and the French were in front, with Pavard doubling his tally. Kylian Mbappe produced a moment of magic with a delectable lofted pass, and Pavard was able to outfox the defense and nod the ball into an empty net.
France were awarded a spot-kick in the 40th minute of play when Olivier Giroud went to ground under an overzealous challenge from a Scottish defender.
The referee initially waved play
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