France back on track as Netherlands close in on Nations League finals

France shrugged off injuries and off-field problems to beat Austria on Thursday, while the Netherlands won in Poland to close in on a place in next year's UEFA Nations League finals. France's build-up to their defence of the World Cup in Qatar in November and December has been marred by fitness issues surrounding a host of key players as well as other worries, but Les Bleus did not appear distracted as they outclassed the Austrians in Paris, winning 2-0. Mbappe showcased his phenomenal pace and strength on the way before finishing emphatically to put the hosts ahead in the 56th minute at the Stade de France.

The recalled Olivier Giroud doubled their lead nine minutes later, heading in Antoine Griezmann's cross to score his 49th international goal -- he is now just two goals short of Thierry Henry's French record. "We did what we needed to do to get the victory, creating lots of chances and controlling the match," said France coach Didier Deschamps. "There are lots of positives to take from the game." Injuries had deprived Deschamps of a whole team, with goalkeeper and captain Hugo Lloris, midfield duo N'Golo Kante and Paul Pogba, and Karim Benzema among the players missing.

Pogba has also been in the headlines after filing a complaint with Italian prosecutors saying he was the target of a 13 million-euro ($13m) blackmail plot. His brother Mathias is one of five people charged and detained in the case. Meanwhile this week began with Paris Saint-Germain superstar Mbappe refusing to take part in a photo shoot in a row with the French Football Federation over image rights.