UEFA Euro 1996 Quarterfinals
France-Scotland
The first matchup of what has been a great tournament arrives, with France facing Scotland at Old Trafford. The stands were full, as a large number of Scots made the short trip south to Manchester. Before kickoff, many Navy and White flags were waving throughout the crowd, and nerves were high for both squads. As France kicked off, chants mocking them reigned down from the Tartan Army.
Les Bleus nearly silenced the fans, as Patrice Loko is left all alone just 11 yards out, but Andy Goram stands tall, making a save, and Tom Boyd is able to clear. A few short moments later, France gets another opportunity, but Vincent Guerin wastes it with a shot well over the bar. Nevertheless, the Scottish players look a little rattled in their first ever knockout stage match. Instead of being patient, though, Goram quickly collects the ball, takes a quick goal kick, and Ally McCoist begins to head a rapid counterattack. He quickly passes to John Collins, who makes a chipped pass to Gordon Durie, now left all alone with Lama. Durie quickly fakes a shot, cuts to the right, then quickly goes back to his left, getting around Lama and tapping the ball into the gaping net. Just like that, Scotland is ahead! Or are they? The referee talks with his comrades, and rules that McCoist fouled Desailly before he received the ball. Replays showed that the call was correct, but that would be little solace to the Scottish fans. Stuart McCall would get one final half-chance, but the first half would close with a 0-0 scoreline, despite the several opportunities. Scotland would bring on John Spencer for Durie for the second half. After several minutes of back and forth without any chances, Scotland wins a corner. No threat would come out of it, for Scotland, at least. France would clear the corner, and the clearance lands on the feet of Youri Djorkaeff, who did it all himself, taking the ball towards the goal, then laying it off to Zinedine Zidane, who does the honors and finishes the attack. In a flash, France lead, and it was the French fans turn to unleash their excitement. Scotland tries to go all out, hoping to score a goal and save their tournament. The Tartan Army fans urge them to get that goal. After a brief attack that results in no shots on goal, the first yellow card is shown, and Tom Boyd is the recipient of it. Scotland continues to press, trying to force a mistake and get a goal. This pressing leads to an opening, however, and France charges towards the goal. The sub striker, Christophe Dugarry, got a great opportunity to seal the win, but Andy Goram stands tall. His save is deflected right to Christian Karembeu, who volleys the deflection. Again, Goram makes an incredible stop, lunging at the ball and tipping it onto the crossbar. The bounce of the crossbar goes right to Youri Djorkaeff, who attempts a shot, but Goram again saves it, and Stewart McKimmie is at last able to clear. Scottish fans would erupt for Goram's heroic effort, and even some French fans applauded the Rangers keeper. With five minutes to go, it was going to take a lot for Scotland to get their goal. A final lifeline is given, as, in the 93rd minute, Laurent Blanc tackles McCoist to halt a Scottish attack, and Scotland gets a free kick from 22 yards out. Durie and McCoist stood over the ball, but Durie backed off to allow McCoist to do the honors. Instead of shooting, however, McCoist passed to his Rangers teammate, who struck a long shot. The ball seemingly floated in slow motion towards the right corner, where it is... stopped, thanks to the head of Zidane. France cleared the ball, and the final whistle rang out throughout Old Trafford, breaking Scottish hearts, and sending France into the semi-final. Following the match, McCoist announced his retirement from the national team.
Scotland Fans before the match at Old Trafford
Zinedine Zidane finishes the goal for France
Gordon Durie shows some slight frustration after his opening goal is disallowed
