Norway sink new-look France

LAURENT BLANC’S reign as France coach began with a 2-1 defeat as his new look side — including six debutants — were sunk by Erik Huseklepp’s brace in Oslo.

Having suspended the entire squad involved in this summer’s World Cup fiasco, Blanc essentially offered an open audition to their replacements ahead of the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign. Hatem Ben Arfa seized the chance with a magnificent goal shortly after his introduction at half-time, but Brann winger Huseklepp’s double turned the tide for the hosts.

Denmark recovered from two goals down to grab a deserved 2-2 draw with Germany in the two nations’ first fixture since the World Cup. Mario Gomez put Germany ahead against the run of play in the 19th minute and Patrick Helmes added a second in the 73rd.