While France underachieved last year Germany surprised many by reaching the World Cup final, but the criticism of coach Rudi Voller since the 0-0 draw with Iceland last Saturday showed that 14 months is a long time in football.

The Germans' 2-1 victory over Scotland in Dortmund, however, while not ensuring they topped the group saw them take a huge step to doing so and provided a perfect riposte to the attacks.

France's 2-0 away victory over Slovenia wrapped up their place at the finals with the losers having the consolation of a play-off to qualify for a second successive Euro finals.

The French were joined by Sweden, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic, whose 3-1 victory over 10-man Holland after Edgar Davids was sent off in the 13th minute leaves the Dutch chances hanging on a victory in the play-offs.

They could be joined in the do or die play-offs by other European heavyweights.

Spain will have to rely on the unlikely scenario of tabletoppers Greece coming unstuck in their final match at home to Northern Ireland, whose 1-0 home defeat by Armenia made it 12 games without a goal.

England too face a tough task after an uninspiring 2-0 home victory over Liechtenstein. To get the point they need for automatic qualification they must face World Cup semi-finalists Turkey in the Istanbul stadium where supporters greet visitors with 'Welcome to Hell' banners.

Italy are not yet through automatically after they were held to a 1-1 draw by a revitalised Serbia and Montenegro in Belgrade, but the home side's resurgence has come too late as early pacesetters Wales' home 1-1 draw with Finland ensured them at least a play-off place.

France began life after Emmanuel Petit's petulant resignation from the international scene with a stroll against their Balkan opponents.

Goals from David Trezeguet, his 25th in 46 appearances, and second-half substitute Oliver Dacourt, his first for his country in 12 matches, more than sufficed for the sending-off of Claude Makelele, the player who Petit believed manager Jacques Santini had wrongly replaced him with.

"After tinkering with two or three things at half-time we got the victory we deserved," said Santini.

"There are still ways of improving and we will see how far that process is going when we play Israel in our last match."

German goals from Fredi Bobic and a second half penalty from talisman Michael Ballack made Neil McCann's strike irrelevant with second half substitute Maurice Ross completing a miserable night for the Scots when he was sent off.

Germany need just a point to qualify, while Berti Vogts needs a favour from his homeland against Iceland if his adopted nation of Scotland are to clinch a play-off spot.

"I rejoice in my role as the coach that we have won tonight," said Voller.

"But I haven't felt like a winner over the last few days. It has been a very difficult time which has left an indelible impression on me."

Wayne Rooney capped another demonstration of his precocious talent with his second international goal as England leapfrogged Turkey at the top of their group.

Michael Owen settled English nerves by heading England ahead within a minute of the restart and Rooney, who became his country's youngest ever scorer against Macedonia on Saturday, removed any doubt about the outcome six minutes later.

"It was a professional performance," England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson said afterwards. "We could have scored more goals but the job has been done."

The Swede admitted 17-year-old Rooney's performance made it difficult to leave him out of the Turkey match, despite what is likely to be an intimidating environment for a player with limited experience.

But Liechtenstein's coach Walter Hormann warned Turkey's superior creative powers will ensure the task is not easily completed.

"I wish England the best but I think it is going to be very difficult for them to get that point in Istanbul.".

Filippo Inzaghi put Italy ahead with a neat first-half finish only for Sasa Ilic to equalise nine minutes from time for the hosts.

A home tie against Azerbaijan on October 11 is unlikely to pose Italy too many problems, but coach Giovanni Trapattoni was taking nothing for granted.

"There'll be no celebrations yet," said the 64-year-old.

"We're not counting our chickens before they've hatched and we face another battle against Azerbaijan."