(Reuters) -Kylian Mbappe struck a late equaliser to assist holders France salvage a 1-1 away draw against Austria as they stored alive their slim hopes of reaching the ultimate 4 of the Nations League on Friday.
Mbappe, who got here on in its place after the break, discovered the again of the online with a shot into the highest nook seven minutes from time to cancel out Andreas Weimann’s first-half opener.
The world champions are backside of Group 1 with two factors from three video games, 4 behind leaders Denmark, who slumped to a 1-0 house defeat against Croatia.
Second-placed Austria and third-placed Croatia have 4 factors every.
Mbappe had an important alternative to offer Les Bleus all three factors with three minutes left, solely for his try to rattle the crossbar.
“I’m disenchanted that we did not rating extra with all the probabilities we had,” mentioned France coach Didier Deschamps.
“Sometimes we rating extra objectives with much less alternatives however I’m not apprehensive. I’ve needed to do with minor accidents and fatigue.”
After an preliminary 1-0 defeat against Denmark at house and a 1-1 draw in Croatia, Deschamps once more reshuffled his workforce as he seemed to relaxation some key gamers on the finish of a protracted and demanding season.
He handed centre again Ibrahima Konate his first cap and wing again Boubacar Kamara his first begin with Mbappe on the bench as Antoine Griezmann and Karim Benzema began up entrance.
In a vigorous begin, Les Bleus got here shut within the 18th minute when Griezmann’s free kick was deflected within the path of Benzema, whose header was beautifully stopped by Patrick Pentz.
But Austria struck first, within the thirty seventh minute, when Weimann tapped in from shut vary from Konrad Laimer’s cross on the finish of a pointy counter assault.
France had one other good alternative on the stroke of halftime, solely for Benzema’s curled shot to be parried away by the impeccable Pentz.
The keeper was at it once more early within the second half to disclaim Benjamin Pavard and Kingsley Coman because the guests piled on the strain.
In the 63rd, Deschamps changed Griezmann with Mbappe, who threatened instantly.
Just because it appeared France had run out of power and concepts, Mbappe collected a brief cross from Christopher Nkunku earlier than beating Pentz from inside the realm with a medical, brutal shot within the 83rd.
He got here near doubling the tally 4 minutes later when Pentz deflected his try onto the bar after a one-two with Benzema.
“That’s not what we got here for however we’ll take that time and attempt to win on Monday,” mentioned Mbappe.
“I’m not 100% match however I’ll play if I’ve to. It’s the final match earlier than the vacations so we are able to push it just a little bit.”
France subsequent face Croatia at house on Monday.
(Writing by Julien Pretot; enhancing by Pritha Sarkar)
