France 4-0 Netherlands
France made a strong start to their 2024 UEFA European qualifying campaign after thrashing the Netherlands on Friday, with Kylian Mbappe netting a double on his maiden outing as captain.
It was an eventful opening from the host who were ahead on two minutes through Antoine Griezmann as he slotted in Kylian Mbappe's low pass.
Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano extended their lead six minutes later where he helped a high-ball from Griezmann's free-kick over the goal-line.
Les Blues continued to have the lion share of play and made it three well over the midway period of the opening spell as Mbappe beat the offside trap to find the bottom-corner.
Mbappe, who starred at last year's FIFA World Cup finals, secured a brace in the final two minutes with a cleverly worked finish inside the area.
The Netherlands did have a chance for a consolation from the penalty spot in the final seconds, but Memphis Depay was denied on two occasions by Mike Maignan as the clash concluded.
Sweden 0-3 Belgium
Romelu Lukaku produced a stellar performance as Belgium swept Sweden aside 3-0 to start their qualifying journey in Group F on a high.
After a tough start, the Red Devils hit the front when Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku fired in off Dodi Lukebakio's ball ten minutes from halftime.
The bulky forward completed a brace over five minutes after the break following another assist by Lukebakio and left the Swedes with a mountain to climb.
More woes were heaped on the host eight minutes ahead of full-time when Lukaku made it three to complete his hat-trick and a five-star performance.
Serbia 2-0 Lithuania
Serbia headed to the top of Group G where efforts either side of the half ensured a 2-0 victory over Lithuania at the Red Star Stadium in Belgrade.
The Serbs needed just a spell of 16 minutes to hit the front as Dusan Tadic took Filip Kostic's ball in his stride before applying a clever finish.
Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic got in on the act eight minutes after halftime where he finished off a ball played in by the self-same Tadic.
Czech Republic 3-1 Poland
Czech Republic also made a strong start to their qualifying campaign and jumped to the top of Group E after match day one following a 3-1 win over Poland.
The Czechs didn't need a lot of time to set their intentions clear as Ladislav Krejci broke the deadlock with just a minute from kick-off.
Poland were behind again within the space of two minutes when Tomas Cvancara applied a smart finish from a ball by David Jurasek.
As the second period kicked-off, the Czechs made matters comfortable in which Jan Kuchta secured their third from another smart bit of play in the latter third.
The Poles managed to stage a response in the closing three minutes through Damian Szymanski, but there was no comeback as the Czech snatched the maximum points.
Austria 4-1 Azerbaijan
Austria made a winning start in Group F and continued their fine run under Ralf Rangnick with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Azerbaijan.
On-loan Manchester United midfielder Marcel Sabitzer combined with an assist delivered by Bundesliga-based Christopher Baumgartner to make the breakthrough.
Another who ply his trade in the top-flight of German football – Michael Gregoritsch doubled the lead shortly thereafter through a smartly taken finish.
Rangnick's charges continued to hold the momentum and had a fourth early in the second half through Sabitzer, who completed his brace too.
Azerbaijan pulled one back before the closing quarter off Emin Mahmudov, but Baumgartner wiped out any thoughts of a comeback and ultimately guided the host to a commanding victory.
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