Germany lay down gauntlet

Ten-minute hat-trick
Marie Pollmann gave Germany a dream start in Mogosoaia, completing a hat-trick between the eighth and 17th minute to set Maren Meinert's team on course for an resounding 8-3 success. Kim Kulig also recorded a three-goal haul as the holders took a giant stride towards this summer's finals, and will return to the same venue on Saturday to face Romania. The Group 3 hosts will also go into the game on three points after two goals from Georgiana Alina Birtoiu helped them to a 3-2 win against Hungary.

Spain strength
The biggest victory margins of the evening went not to Germany, however, but to Spain and England, who both claimed emphatic 7-0 triumphs. Ellen White struck a hat-trick as England overwhelmed Poland in an unhappy rematch for the Group 2 hosts after their meeting in last summer's finals, when Mo Marley's team won by a solitary goal. Meanwhile, Ignacio Quereda's Spain side ran in six second-half goals in a 7-0 win over Serbia to steal an early march in Group 6.

Iceland loss
Indeed, overall it was a good night for the 2007 finalists as Denmark and Norway also recorded victories, though Iceland did lose 1-0 to England's next opponents Belgium. Chantal de Ridder scored twice as the Netherlands saw off the Republic of Ireland, while Kosovare Asllani shone as Sweden beat the Czech Republic 3-0. There were also wins for Italy, Denmark, Austria and Romania on an evening that failed to serve up a single draw.