By that time, Nicolas Anelka had already scored for the visitors – who only landed in the Faroes hours before kick-off after fog delayed their arrival – and goals from Karim Benzema (two), Jerome Rothen and Hatem Ben Arfa completed the rout.

Les Bleus remain two points adrift of leaders Scotland in Group B, though, after another impressive win for Alex McLeish’s men – 3-1 over Ukraine.

Hungary claimed revenge over Malta with a dominant performance in Group C.

Robert Feczesin scored 11 minutes before half-time with a close-range header before Daniel Tozser doubled the advantage after 76 minutes with an exquisite 25-yard free-kick to avenge last October’s 2-1 defeat on the Mediterranean island.

Slovakia recorded a highly impressive and confidence-boosting victory at home to San Marino in Group D.

Goals from Marek Hamsik, Stanislav Sestak (two), Marek Sapara, Martin Skrtl, Filip Holosko and Jan Durica completed a 7-0 rout for the hosts.

Serbia’s qualification hopes suffered a blow as they could only draw 0-0 in Armenia, while the Group G basement boys Luxembourg claimed their first win of the campaign when Alphonse Leweck bagged the only goal of the game in Belarus deep into injury time.