GLASGOW (AFP) -- Scotland stunned France with a 1-0 victory over the World Cup finalists at Hampden on Saturday to go clear at the top of Euro 2008 qualifying group B.

Despite the French dominating the match from start to finish, Celtic defender Gary Caldwell's 67th minute goal was all that separated the teams at the end.

As expected France had controlled possession from the kickoff and Thierry Henry twice won free-kicks in dangerous positions within the first 10 minutes, which he took himself.

The Arsenal striker's first in the eighth minute, following a foul by Caldwell, was placed towards the top right-hand corner, out of the reach of Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, but rebounded off the post.

A minute later, after a foul on him by David Weir 25-yards from goal, Henry's shot required Gordon to save under his crossbar.

France had the ball in the net in the 17th minute when Patrick Viera headed Franck Ribery's free-kick from the left past Gordon but the assistant referee had already flagged for offside.

Scotland were merely hanging on as the World Cup finalists stretched them over all the pitch.

Florent Malouda almost opened the scoring in the 32nd minute with a low drive from 20-yards which Gordon threw himself to his left to fingertip away.

The home side finally had an effort on goal in the 37th minute when Caldwell met Paul Hartley's corner with a downward header which French keeper Gregory Coupet saved low to his right.

Thanks to some inspired and desperate defending by Scotland the score remained goalless at halftime much to the delight of the home support.

Though Scotland had been completely out played in the first-half they could have taken the lead in the 49th minute.

Darren Fletcher played a lovely through ball with the outside of his right boot and James McFadden stole in behind Jean-Alain Boumsong only to slice his shot wide from a tight angle.

France were continuing to dominate, however, and Scotland were content to launch high balls forward out of defense towards lone striker McFadden.

But amazingly, entirely against the run of play, Scotland took the lead in the 67th minute.

Hartley had won a corner for himself on the right and the Hearts midfielder then flighted the ball in towards the back post where Caldwell slid in to poke home from six-yards.

The French were rattled by the goal and they almost found themselves two behind a minute later when Hartley's back-heel released Gary Teale but his side-footed effort was too close to Coupet who saved easily.

Scotland could have snatched another goal in the 78th minute when captain Barry Ferguson put Hartley through on goal but the Hearts player miscontrolled and the chance was lost.

Inevitably France again began to gain the upper-hand and they forced a series of corner kicks without ever being able to test Gordon.

In the 86th minute Henry squandered a fantastic opportunity to level the score when Malouda's cross found him unmarked in the penalty area but he headed tamely into the hands of Gordon.

France threw everything at the Scots in the closing minutes but they struggled to break through the heroic home defense and even when they did they found Gordon in brilliant form.

Scotland now lead France by three points in Group B and have ensured the rest, including world champions Italy, have it all to do to qualify for the finals in Austria and Switzerland.