Scotland step closer to finals

Scotland moved a step closer to the finals tonight as they defeated Ukraine 3-1 at Hampden Park thanks to Miller, McCulloch and McFadden. Their Group B qualification hopes are now firmly in the final stages.

Kenny Miller headed Alex McLeish's side into the lead after only three minutes following a McFadden free-kick.

McFadden again turned the provider 7 minutes later, with Lee McCulloch curling the ball home from 16 yards.

Shevchenko sent home a reply before half-time, but then McFadden got a goal of his own as he drilled in after 68 minutes to ensure victory.

Gary Naysmith came back for the Scots and Gary Pearson took the reins in midfield as Scotland were desperate to grab three points to push them a step closer the finals in Austria and Switzerland.

It was a another stunning result and proves that Alex McLeish is working wonders for Scotland. A full stadium at Hampden cheered on the Scots to another famous victory.

The first goal came early, and McFadden whipped a free-kick to the front post and there was Miller who had nipped across his marker and goalkeeper Olexandr Shovkovskiy to flick the ball home to stun the Ukrainians.

The result was pretty much done and dusted when Ferguson took a quick free-kick, McFadden flighted the ball to an unmarked McCulloch who curled the ball into the corner of the net from distance. Hampden erupted as the 2-0 lead meant victory was in sight.

However, there were nervous times for Scotland and Ukraine bundled a goal back through Chelsea striker Andrei Shevchenko. The player was however booked, which means he will miss the match against the Faroe Islands.

After half time, Ukraine appeared a different prospect but couldn't break down a solid Scotland defence. Scotland sparked back into life and they eased their nerves and effectively clinched the three points after McFadden collected a through ball from Hutton and drilled it past Shovkovskiy.

Scotland now await the results of the France and Italy games as they now know qualification is within their grasp.