SCOTLAND'S hopes of reaching the latter stage of the European Under-17 championships for the second successive year suffered a setback when they were crushed 5-0 by an impressive French side in Beroe, Bulgaria.
A young Scottish side had reached the last four at this level in Malta 12 months ago, but that achievement seemed a lifetime away when the shortcomings of Scot Gemmill's side were brutally exposed by a French side that were four goals to the good by half-time.
With Ross and Robby McCrorie, of Rangers, becoming the first pair of Scottish twins to play together for their nation at a major finals, the Scots had a mountain to climb within 20 minutes, courtesy of two goals by Namitone Ikone, whose club side is Paris St Germain. His clubmate Odsonne Edouard made it three soon after, with Marseille's Bilal Boutobba grabbing a fourth on the stroke of half time, and centre half Mamadou Doucoure completing the rout from distance in the second period. Only once did Scotland manage to trouble Luca Zidane, son of 1998 World Cup legend Zinedine, in the French goal, but Liam Burt's effort was saved.
The only good news was Greece drawing with Russia in the group's other game, a result which means Scotland's fate is still in their own hands. The top six sides progress to the World Cup finals at this age group in Chile.
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