It appeared in the early going that the early morning revelry in Glasgow, which had been started in Seville, would be continued in northern France. The morale of Steve Clarke’s squad was through the roof after Billy Gilmour gave the visitors the lead against the world’s No. 2 team. Without Scotland, the celebration would be canceled.

The French had different plans. Their vehement outburst reflected a level of prestige appropriate to their position. Scotland has dropped three straight games, but that is not cause for alarm. Two of the games were exhibitions, while the other was a qualifying match against Spain.

Scotland’s qualification to the Euro 2024 tournament was ensured by Spain’s victory against Norway on Sunday. More so than going across France chasing shadows, this is of paramount importance. Clarke may even come to regret his audacious plan after giving it some thought. It was inspiring to see a makeshift Scotland team attempt to play on the front foot and pass the ball about. The hosts were likewise able to pick them off with ease. By halftime, France had already answered three times, and Gilmour’s moment was a distant memory at best. One goal scored in the second half was enough of an explanation for France’s domination.

For this reason, the start time of the game was pushed back by 10 minutes. The Scottish team was ready to quit well before the final whistle. Those who arrived in France on Monday with throbbing heads felt even worse after witnessing the World Cup runners-up’s impressive play.

Scotland’s motive in agreeing to this friendly was sincere. The Scots will need to be used to competing against top-tier clubs after being promoted to the Nations League’s top division, another major accomplishment for Clarke. Unfortunately, Clarke was missing several starters by the time this match rolled around. Injuries prevented Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney, and Aaron Hickey from making the trip to Lille. John McGinn was only assessed fit to play in the visitor’s bench. By choosing him as a substitute, Clarke allowed Celtic’s captain, Callum McGregor, a rest. In goal, Liam Kelly got his first start. France fielded a full strength team because Didier Deschamps didn’t get the memo. Scotland, best of luck!

For fifteen minutes, this improbable Scottish squad played with confidence. Liam Cooper backheeled the ball out of danger in a moment of crisis, exemplifying Scotland’s spirit. The first goal, scored by Gilmour with a wonderful curling shot after Eduardo Camavinga bizarrely put the clearance right into his path, was well earned. Gilmour scored his first career goal at the senior level. The quality of it was astounding.

After scoring for Scotland, Billy Gilmour is mobbed by teammates.

After scoring his maiden goal for Scotland, Billy Gilmour was mobbed by his teammates. Adam Davy/Press Association

The French were angered by Scotland’s tantrums. After racing to the far post to meet Antoine Griezmann’s corner, Benjamin Pavard scored an equalizer with a deft flip. While Kelly may have been at fault for not stopping the set piece earlier, the Scotland defense was woefully unprepared for it when it was finally delivered. Griezmann was making his 82nd consecutive start for France.

Despite being a defender, Pavard was at it again after 24 minutes. Kylian Mbappé was the main catalyst for the goal, as he taunted and harassed Jack Hendry before setting up the assist. With another header, Pavard struck the back of Kelly’s net. Pavard came close to scoring a hat trick in the first half after more magic from Mbappé. The incident happened right before the hosts were given a penalty.

The German referee Tobias Stieler utilized video review to confirm that Cooper had pulled Olivier Giroud’s jersey. Not much in the way of gripes came from Scotland. Mbappé buried the penalty kick to Kelly’s left, high. The question became how many goals France hoped to score all of a sudden. The halftime whistle was greeted with relief by Scotland.

The second half was, maybe predictably, more subdued. France had confidence in its ability to keep Scotland at bay. After Griezmann had hit the post, Kingsley Coman scored the fourth goal. Later, Marcus Thuram ran into some trouble with the law. In the game’s final minutes, the crowd erupted in cheers as the exceptional Mbappé left the field.

The visiting reinforcements cheered themselves up with routine poem in anticipation of their trip to Germany next summer. When it comes to France, Scots would prefer not go there. Who knows how Deschamps’ squad would perform in a game that actually counts.