France remain in turmoil despite changes
Any France fans hoping that the problems gripping their national team would follow Raymond Domenech out of the door found out that wouldn't be the case as they lost their opening Euro 2012 qualifier 1-0 at home to Belarus.
Laurent Blanc's tenure as Bordeaux boss ended with an incredible slump that saw them miss out on European qualification and his spell in charge of Les Bleus has started equally problematically, with Les Bleus booed off the pitch after defeat in his first home game.
France have now won just one of their last ten matches and what already looked a challenging trip to Bosnia on Tuesday now looks even more daunting with Karim Benzema, Loic Remy and Louis Saha - who came on as a sub then hobbled off - all injury doubts.
Bosnia are a tempting [2.9] to win that clash and make it three losses in three for Blanc, and if they do the odds of [3.1] on them taking top spot in Group D will appeal. France are still surprisingly strong [1.75] favourites for that honour.
The other major World Cup flops Italy finally recorded their first victory of 2010 but it was an underwhelming one as they overcame a half-time deficit to win 2-1 in Estonia, with Antonio Cassano scoring his first international goal in over six years. They're [14.0] to lift the trophy.
The three favourites to triumph in Ukraine and Poland were all away winners, with Spain ([5.0]) beating Liechtenstein 4-0, Germany ([6.2]) pip past Belgium 1-0 thanks to the ever-dependable Miroslav Klose and Holland ([9.2]) trouncing San Marino 5-0.
Result of the day though came in Guimaraes where Portugal and Cyprus played out an incredible 4-4 draw. The hosts, in the absence of suspended coach Carlos Queiroz, came from behind twice to lead, only for Cyprus to snatch a point through Andreas Avraam's late equaliser.
Who impressed you on the opening day of qualifying? Tell us below...
Published: 4 Sep 2010
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