Roberto Soldado's late winner helped Spain kickoff their Brazil 2014 World Cup Qualifying campaign with a 1-0 victory against Georgia, while England needed a late Frank Lampard penalty to earn them a point against an impressive Ukraine side at Wembley.
There were also wins for other big guns France, Netherlands, Italy, Portugal and Germany.
Spain started with Soldado up front, with Vicente Del Bosque preferring the Valencia striker to Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas. That faith was rewarded when Soldado found the back of the net off a short corner late in the match.
France, who picked up a 1-0 win in their first match, made it a little easier this time with a 3-1 victory over Belarus. Etienne Capoue opened the scoring for the French, before Christophe Jallet added a second. However, there was time for some nervy moments after Anton Putsila cut the deficit, but Franck Ribery restored the two-goal lead 10 minutes from time.
Mesut Ozil scored his third goal in two matches of World Cup qualifying, with Marco Reus striking the opener in Germany's 2-1 win over Austria, while Italy put their disappointing opening 2-2 draw behind them with a 2-0 victory over Malta. Goals from Matia Destro and Federico Poluso ensured the three points for the Euro 2012 finalists.
At Wembley, Ukraine will feel unlucky to not have picked up all three points after putting in a commendable performance against the home side. England on the other hand, will be counting their lucky stars after a far from impressive performance.
A wonderful curling effort from Yevgen Konoplianka gave the Ukrainians, learning to cope without the inspirational Andriy Shevchenko, a deserved lead. A few more chances went begging for the away team, before Danny Welbeck's flick inside the box struck Yevhen Khacherdi's arm. Lampard, who scored two goals in England's last match, stepped up to the spot and made no mistake, equalising the scores in the 86th minute. The hosts had Steven Gerrard sent off with two minutes to go for a second bookable offence, and the England captain will now miss his country's next qualifier against San Marino.
Netherland continued their resurgence after a poor Euro 2012, with a 4-1 win over Hungary, thanks to a brace from Jermain Lens and a goal apiece courtesy Bruno Martins Indi and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
Cristiano Ronaldo did not score, but Portugal still managed a 3-0 victory over Azerbaijan; Silvestre Varela, Helder Postiga and Bruno Alves getting on the scoresheet. Russia earned a comfortable 4-0 win over Israel, with Alexander Kerzhakov netting a double.
