Last night was a busy one for European teams attempting to qualify to the World Cup in 2014.

World and European champions Spain nearly slipped-up in Georgia. Spain needed an 86^th minute goal from Valencia striker Roberto Soldado to clinch a 1-0 victory.

Elsewhere in Group I, France cruised to a 3-1 victory over Belarus at the Stade de France, courtesy of goals from Etienne Capoue, Christophe Jallet and Franck Ribery. The victory took the French to the top of the fledgling group table.

Italy was less than convincing with a 2-0 victory over minnows Malta at the Stadio Olimpico. When striker Mattia Destro opened the scoring after five minutes many expected the floodgates to open for the Azzurri.

However, Cesare Prandelli’s men didn’t add their second goal until Federico Peluso struck in stoppage-time. Italy now sit joint top of the Group B table with Bulgaria.

England came close to a shock home defeat as the Three Lions drew 1-1 with Ukraine at Wembley. The Three Lions without a number of regulars and it showed in the first half. Ukraine took the lead on 39 minutes through a superb fizzing effort from Yevhen Konoplyanka.

The home team kept toiling and in the 87^th minute were awarded a spot kick, after Yevhen Khacheridi handled the ball in the penalty area. Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard scored from spot to restore parity.

A minute later and England captain Steven Gerrard was sent-off, after collecting his second yellow card. In the end a draw was probably a fair result.

Germany won 2-1 in neighbouring country Austria. Germany took the lead just before half-time through a Marco Reus spot kick. Real Madrid midfielder Mesut Ozil added a second goal seven minutes into the second half.

Austria got back in the game five minutes later through a Zlatko Junuzovic effort. The home side were slightly unfortunate not to get an equaliser, but Germany held on for three crucial points.

Who were the big winners from qualifiers on Tuesday night?