Hakan Sukur was Turkey's hero as they beat triple world champions Germany 1-0 in Bursa on Saturday. The Germans were playing their first match under new coach Erich Ribbeck, who replaced Berti Vogts last month, but Galatasaray striker Sukur ensured Ribbeck's reign got off to the worst possible start.

Sukur headed the only goal of the game 20 minutes from time after Germany's goalkeeper, Oliver Kahn, had failed to clear a loose ball.

World champions France, desperate to bury the embarrassment of last month's draw in Iceland, came good with a 3-2 success in Russia at the weekend. However, Ukraine top Group Four with six points having beaten new boys Andorra 2-0 away. Another side to flop in the opening round of matches last month, Croatia, bounced back from their surprise defeat in Ireland by hammering Malta 4-1 away in Group Eight.

Italy lead the way in Group One after Alessandro Del Piero silenced his critics with both goals in a 2-0 win over Switzerland to end a five-month goal drought. Poland swept to the head of Group Five by beating Luxembourg 3-0 in Warsaw, while England were being held to a goal-less draw by Bulgaria at Wembley.

Latvia have taken early command in Group Two after beating Georgia 1-0.