No call for Anelka despite France's narrow escape

An international recall for Nicolas Anelka looked further away than ever on Saturday despite France's labours in beating Cyprus 2-1.

Les Bleus needed to come from behind to open their qualifying campaign for Euro 2004 with a win in Nicosia. After the disaster of France's World Cup defence, Jacques Santini's team were on the verge of another humiliation when Yiannakis Okkas put the home side ahead.

However goals from Auxerre's Djibril Cissé – who took Anelka's place in the World Cup squad – and their Arsenal forward Sylvain Wiltord spared their blushes.

Yet Santini is unlikely to recall Anelka, who has been in fine form for Manchester City. He said: "The door is not closed but I would like to have some continuity. I prefer to stick with the squad I have rather than bring in new players."

German hooligans threw bottles, lighters and coins at the president of the German federation, Gerhard Mayer-Vorfelder, following their 2-0 victory against Lithuania. Around 100 hooligans shouted "Football Mafia" and "Vorfelder must go". Mayer-Vorfelder is a controversial figure in Germany, in part because his financial affairs are under investigation from various authorities.

Germany's next qualifier is next month at home to the Faroe Islands, who held Scotland to a 2-2 draw. "Berti Vogts has helped us a bit with that draw," said the German coach, Rudi Völler.

The Spain captain Raul said he was honoured to join Fernando Hierro at the head of the national team's all-time list of leading goalscorers after scoring in their 2-0 qualifying win over Greece. It was Raul's 29th goal in 56 games and, with Real Madrid team-mate Fernando Hierro now retired from international football, it is only a matter of time before he takes the record outright

"It is a real privilege to play for the national team and to draw level with Hierro as the all-time leading scorer," Raul said. "But I am even happier about the way the team played because I think we passed a very tough test with flying colours."

Sweden's joint coach Lars Lagerback said he will keep the door open for Celtic's Henrik Larsson if the 30-year-old striker reconsiders his decision to retire from international football.

Larsson quit when Sweden were knocked out of this summer's World Cup but they could have done with his firepower as they were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw in Latvia. Lagerback said: "We have had talks with Henrik in Glasgow but he still stands firm about his decision. If he changes his mind about playing for Sweden again, he is warmly welcome."

The under-fire Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni was satisfied with their 2-0 win over Azerbaijan, even though it took a while for his side to get going in Baku.

The game was being termed as a "make or break" match for the 63-year-old coach after his side's disappointing World Cup display and last month's 1-0 friendly defeat at home to Slovenia. It took a Tarlan Akhmedov own goal in the 34th minute to give the Azzurri the lead before a Alessandro Del Piero free-kick sealed victory.

"We won thanks to the team's will, determination and character," Trapattoni said. "My team know how to give their best when times are tough."

"We all suffered because of all the built-up tension from the past few days. In the dressing room before the game you could feel the nervousness – the players knew that they had to win, no matter what."