Spain were frustrated by Finland, as France took full advantage to go top of Group I of the World Cup Qualifiers, while there were comfortable wins for England, Netherlands and Germany.
The defending World and European champions face a real test now on Tuesday when they travel to Paris, after Vicente Del Bosque's men were held to a 1-1 draw by a gritty Finland.
Spain were completely dominant in possession of course, and looked on course for all three points when Sergio Ramos, in his 100th appearance for his country, made it 1-0 early in the second half.
However, Teemu Pukki found the back of the net for Finland in a rare foray in Spain's box in the 78th minute, with the favorites unable to find that all-important second goal.
France now lead Group I by two points, following their 3-1 win over Georgia. Goals from Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud, Mathieu Valbuena and Franck Ribery was more than enough to see off the Georgians, who got their consolation goal via Alexander Kobhakidze.
The status quo was maintained in Group H, with leaders Montenegro and England picking up three points albeit in completely contrasting styles.
Montenegro stayed two points ahead of England, after their 1-0 win over Moldova, despite playing with ten men for a large part of the second half.
England thrashed San Marino 8-0, thanks to goals from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jermain Defoe (2), Ashley Young, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge and an Alessandro Della Valle own goal.
The top two teams now face each other Tuesday, in a match that could decide which team goes through as group winners.
Germany stamped their authority on Group C with an authoritative 3-0 result over Kazakhstan. Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mario Gotze and Thomas Muller got their names on the scoresheet, leaving the Germans with a five point lead at the top.
Their nearest rivals, the Republic of Ireland and Sweden played out a goalless draw, while Austria brought themselves into contention with a 6-0 rout of the Faroe Islands.
In Group F, Portugal shot themselves in the foot yet again, and will now only be hoping for a playoff place at best following their come-from-behind 3-3 draw at Israel.
Goals from Tomer Hemed, Eden Ben Basat and Null Gershon made it 3-1, after Bruno Alves had opened the scoring for Portugal in the second minute, before Helder Postiga and a last minute strike from Real Madrid left-back Fabio Coentrao ensure a share of the spoils.
Portugal and Israel are level on eight points, with Russia four clear, with a game in hand after their match against Northern Ireland was postponed due to excessive snow.
Belgium and Croatia will battle it out for top spot in Group A following their 2-0 victories over Macedonia and Serbia respectively.
The Belgians, who have 13 points from five games, lead the group by goal difference after goals from Chelsea duo Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard gave the talented side all three points against Macedonia.
Mario Mandzukic and Ivica Olic were the goalscorers against Serbia, in a match which went about peacefully despite fears of violence.
