Another Shocker in France

Last year, Scotland did the unthinkable. They beat France, the World Cup 06 finalists, at Hampden 1-0 before a jubilant Tartan Army. Then less than a month ago, Scotland did the unbelievable. They beat France in France. As if sweeping France home and abroad in Euro 08 Qualifying wasn't enough, Rangers decided to join in the fun with a stunning 0-3 victory over the reigning French champions Lyon.

After wallowing in misery last season under French manager Paul LeGuen, Rangers took out their European frustration with a class performance by American DaMarcus Beasley who scored the final goal and set up Lee McCulloch's thunderous header with a near perfect corner kick to set up the first goal. Lens cast-off Daniel Cousins picked up the middle goal.

Rangers already shook up the European Cup's Group of Death by stunning German champion VFB Stuggart 2-1 last month at Ibrox. The Group contains Barcelona, Lyon, Stuttgart and Rangers. Lyon and Stuttgart are both defending domestic champions while Barcelona is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous teams in the world.

Much as he did with the Scottish national team after the disastrous Bernie Vogt, Walter Smith took over a club in a death spin. The results are eerily familiar. Rangers dropped their second straight Scottish title to Celtic but righted the ship in time to qualify for the Champions League and currently sit even with Celtic at 19 points. Smith has built a team of senior French strikers to team with Scottish poacher Kris Boyd. Emerging young Scots like Alan Hutton, Charlie Adam and Steven Whittaker team along veterans like Lee McCulloch, David Weir and national team captain Barry Ferguson. The contributions of American DaMarcus Beasley and French/Algerian Brahim Hemdani cannot be overrated.

Rangers sit atop the group along with Barcelona who also swept their first two games. Only a third of the way into the group competition, the matter is far from settled but with Lyon and Stuttgart pointless one of those teams is going to have to get very hot to push Rangers out of the second spot.

Rangers play Barcelona in Glasgow on 23 October. Any Ranger fan would be thrilled for a draw, but at this point why stop believing in miracles?