Group B/ Faroe Islands 0 France 6: France are all too aware that the hardest part is yet to come in their quest for a berth at the finals despite easing to an impressive away victory over the Faroe Islands on Saturday.

Third in Group B, two points behind Scotland and one adrift of Italy, France must win their remaining two games to advance.

They host Lithuania in Nantes on Wednesday and travel to Ukraine, who are already eliminated, next month.

"We took three points, it was important to keep our hopes alive," midfielder Jerome Rothen said.

The hardest part of the trip for Les Bleus, however, was to actually arrive in Torshavn after bad weather delayed their flight until less than four hours before kickoff.

"We made things easy by scoring quickly but we have to keep our feet on the ground after such a victory. We have to grab three points also on Wednesday," added Rothen, who scored the fourth goal with a fine freekick.

Coach Raymond Domenech added: "It is just a stage. Our mission will be accomplished if we take nine points (from the last three matches)."

France had all but won after eight minutes with goals by Nicolas Anelka and Thierry Henry, who equalled Michel Platini's record of 41 goals under the French shirt.

The World Cup finalists, who were unable to score in a stalemate in Italy and in the 1-0 shock defeat to Scotland last month, enjoyed what amounted to a practice session in Torshavn.

Arsenal centre back William Gallas, who has not played since August after picking up a groin injury, is expected to be fielded alongside Lilian Thuram in the defence.