France and Portugal in World Cup struggle

PARIS (AFP) - Former champions France and 2006 semi-finalists Portugal were struggling to keep their 2010 World Cup dreams on track on Saturday as Europe's major powers toiled on the rocky road to South Africa.

France, the 1998 winners and runners-up just two years ago, came back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Romania to leave them in fourth place in Group Seven.

Portugal, who lost to Denmark at home in their last qualifier, could only draw 0-0 in Sweden, a result which put them third in Group One, three points behind the Danes.

Defending champions Italy were held to a 0-0 draw in Bulgaria as they stayed top of Group Eight while Germany edged Russia 2-1 to remain in charge of Group Four.

England clinched a flattering 5-1 win over hapless Kazakhstan to keep up their 100-percent record in Group Six; Euro 2008 winners Spain also made it three wins in three as a 3-0 victory in Estonia kept them clear in Group Five.

Greece, the European champions in 2004, beat Moldova 3-0 to also stay perfect at the top of Group Two while the Netherlands are the only other nation with maximum points after a 2-0 home win against Iceland.

The future of France coach Raymond Domenech was left hanging in the balance after his team's 2-2 draw in Constanta.

Florentin Petre and Dorin Goian scored a goal apiece in a dominant first half to leave the hosts with the advantage before Franck Ribery pulled one back for 'Les Bleus' in the 36th minute.

It took until the 69th minute for France to draw level thanks to a stunning drive from Yoann Gourcuff.