On a busy night of international football, world champion Italy had to come from behind to draw 1-1 with Greece, France's stuttering form continued with a 0-0 draw in Paris against Uruguay while European champion Spain signed off its memorable year with a 3-0 home success over Chile.

Germany suffered its first defeat in Berlin since 1973 as England shrugged off the absence of Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, David Beckham and Theo Walcott.

Captain John Terry's header six minutes from time sealed victory over the Euro 2008 runners-up after Matthew Upson's first-half goal had been cancelled out by Bayer Leverkusen's Patrick Helmes.

England coach Fabio Capello admitted he was delighted with the result.

''It was a very good performance. We made lots of chances. I liked the attitude, confidence and personality,'' the Italian said.

In Glasgow, Maradona's first match as head coach of Argentina ended on a high note.

Maradona, who led the South Americans to World Cup victory in 1986 as a player on the back of his infamous 'Hand of God' goal in the quarter-final win over England, had demanded a fighting performance from his team.

But Maxi Rodriguez's eighth minute goal was all that separated the sides after Argentina, which has been struggling in its World Cup qualifiers, faded after the half-time interval.

''I thought in the first 25 minutes we were brilliant. We played some excellent football and scored the goal,'' Maradona said.