Robin, It's been watching this afternoon's events in Paris, and he has news of an erotic performance by the Scots against the Cup holders Brazil.

But it'll ended rather sadly.

Rob.

Yes, Andrew and Scotland will be especially disappointed, I think, with their 200 feet here this afternoon and stabbed in France by Brazil's more than matched the world champions for over 2/3 of the game before eventually conceding the own goal that gave Brazil.

Unlike pretournament hype, the opening ceremony was refreshingly brief, colorful and entertaining in a uniquely Gallic way.

There were moments.

So when we're wondered whether the Martians are qualified, there was one particular sequence, which suggested Gazza ratified the World Cup role after all.

But overall it was spectacular and enjoyable and drew enthusiastic appreciation from the 80,000 present.

What they most wanted, though, was for the players of Scotland and Brazil to follow suit outside.

The eternally hopeful just wanted a ticket but didn't get one.

I threw it down this morning for the northeast Scotland with Otaka, and when you run your camera through the clothes, we have nothing but suits people wearing suits.

Not Scotland finds.

I'm looking for a big TV screen universe is probably still have had to rub his eyes before believing he was watching his team work out alongside Brazil with the world looking on.

Unfortunately, what followed just four minutes into the match was all too familiar.

A naive lack of marking allowing Sam Piau to leave Jim.

Lately, it's just one more Spectators.

One thing Scotland had wanted to avoid was giving away an early goal.

Instead, they found themselves fortunate not to concede several more.

First, Hendry came perilously close to embarrassment.

Then, with the Brazilian tide flowing at its most fluent, Layton's 40 year old reflexes needed to be at their sharpest to deny Roberto Carlos.

With Ronaldo now adding his wizardry to the rich fabric of his sight attacking options, Scotland were looking spellbound.

Character somehow saw them through.

They began moving forward with more conviction there, increasing confidence rewarded totally unexpectedly.

When gold score some pie, oh comes in.

He sent Kevin Gallagher tumbling in the box, making light of the incredible pressure drunk.

Collins calmly dispatched a penalty and stopped on the level.

Second half continued in the same uncharacteristically open vein, with Rivaldo bending one only just wide.

Scotland now had the conviction to respond immediately, with burly sending Cafarelli sprawling with 15 minutes to go, Brazilian brilliance and Scottish misfortune combined.

Katherine's piercing run was spotted on found by hunger.

And, although latent parrot, the whole record trade in there was to be no way back this time for the Scots.

Once jury shot had failed to beat tougher else dive.

Given that they were up against the best commitment and teamwork had made it a performance of which to be proud on one, which will keep a light their hopes of progressing.

Kevin Gary, BBC News at the step to France in Paris.