Republic of Ireland started their qualifying campaign off well with a 1-0 away win in Armenia. Although they were favourites it was never an easy task to win away, however with 76 minutes gone Fahey game up with the winner and helped Ireland take all 3 points.
In Group C Northern Ireland, Italy and Serbia all took the maximum 3 points in their first matches. Italy won a tough game away in Estonia while Northern Ireland also had a 1-0 win away in Slovenia. Serbia won their first game convincingly with a 3-0 away victory in the Faroe Islands.
Group E got under way with the World Cup runners up Holland continuing their fantastic form with a 5-0 demolishin of San Marino. Huntelaar scored a hat trick as Holland made light work of the visiting team. Sweden also started well with a 2-0 win over Hungry.
Cyprus caused the only major upset in the first round with a surprise 4-4 draw in Portugal. In an extremely entertaining game, Portugal struggled to see off Cyprus in what will be a disappointing result for the Portuguese. Norway were the only winners in Group H with a come from behind 2-1 win away in Iceland.
World Cup winners Spain took full points in Group I with a relatively easy 4-0 win away at Liechtenstein. Torres scored a brace as Spain showed their ambition to take back to back Euro titles. Lithuania held Scotland to a 0-0 draw in Lithuania.