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.

However, Dennis Rommedahl and Mads Junker struck back to ensure that Morten Olsen’s side earned a draw in Copenhagen.

A third-choice Dutch side produced a fine display to earn a creditable draw with the Ukraine in Donetsk. Coach Bert van Marwijk selected just one member of his World Cup squad, ‘keeper Michel Vorm, but they did not let him down as they matched their more experienced opponents.

After a woeful first 45 minutes the game sprang to life after the break and Jermaine Lens gave the visitors the lead with a close-range finish in the 73rd minute.

But it took only a minute for the hosts to level thanks to Oleksandr Aliev’s stunning free-kick.

Radomir Dalovic scored twice either side of half-time to hand Montenegro a 2-0 victory and leave Northern Ireland frustrated in their friendly.

Wales completed preparations for their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign by sinking minnows Luxembourg 5-1 at Parc-y-Scarlets.

First international goals for David Cotterill, Andy King and Ashley Williams, plus a Joe Ledley penalty and late Craig Bellamy strike, underpinned Wales’ sixth successive victory over Luxembourg.

Craig Levein suffered his first defeat as Scotland manager as a patchwork side slumped to a 3-0 defeat against Sweden in Stockholm.