It really doesn't Thiago Motta any more where he was born

Brazil-born Motta struck his first international goal in only his second Italy appearance on 73 minutes to give the away side a 1-0 victory and send them six points clear at the top of Group C. Patriotic pundits have bemoaned coach Cesare Prandelli for resorting to using Motta, fellow Brazil-born Amauri and Argentina-born Cristian Ledesma.

Motta's case is all the more controversial because he played for Brazil in the 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup. That side was deemed to be an invited under-23 team so when Italy's senior team enquired about calling up the Inter Milan player, FIFA said yes. "I have to thank everyone who let me arrive at this point," Motta told reporters. "I respect everyone's opinions, everybody can say what they like."

Meanwhile, France cruised into a four-point lead at the top of Euro 2012 qualifying Group D with a 2-0 victory over Luxembourg as World Cup rebels Patrice Evra and Franck Ribery made a low-key return on Friday. Les Bleus, who won with a goal in each half from Philippe Mexes and Yoann Gourcuff, now have 12 points from five games.

The Netherlands marched six points clear in Group E with a perfect 15 points from five matches after their 4-0 demolition of second-placed Hungary in Budapest. The visitors took an early lead thanks to Rafael van der Vaart before Ibrahim Afellay doubled the advantage with a powerful low drive on the stroke of half-time. The Dutch then added goals from Dirk Kuyt and Robin van Persie to suggest they are likely to be even less forgiving when they host the Hungarians in Amsterdam on Tuesday.

Belgium's 2-0 win in Austria propelled them into second place behind Germany in Group A while Group B leaders Russia were held to a 0-0 draw by Armenia in Yerevan.