As expected, coach Raymond Domenech made several changes to the side which thrashed the Faroe Islands 5-0 last Saturday. Olympique Lyonnais goalkeeper Hugo Lloris returned to the starting line-up in place of Marseille's Stève Mandanda, while Rennes right-back Rod Fanni replaced Bakari Sagna in defence.

A first start for Sissoko

Just three days after making his senior international debut, Toulouse midfielder Moussa Sissoko made his first start for Les Bleus in the centre of the park, alongside Ligue 1 champion Alou Diarra from Bordeaux, while Lyon captain Sidney Govou continued on the right side of the attack in the 4-2-3-1 formation.

Already assured of playing in next month's two-legged play-off for a place at the World Cup finals in South Africa 2010, the home side started brightly and after several near misses finally went ahead through Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema in the 17th minute.

Benzema's diving header

After Austria failed to clear a corner, Florent Malouda was played in behind on the left and crossed perfectly for Benzema's diving header from ten yards out which left Helge Payer no chance in the guests' goal.

Thierry Henry doubled the advantage from the penalty spot – his 51st goal for France – after Fanni was adjudged to have been fouled in the area midway through the opening period.

Les Bleus were right on top but...

Les Bleus were right on top but two minutes after the half-time break and Austria pulled a goal back through Janko, tapping the ball home after Lloris had saved Hoffer's initial effort.

Domenech immediately replaced captain Henry with last season's top scorer André-Pierre Gignac. The Toulouse man was straight into the action, almost getting on the end of a clever Benzema free-kick, as France quickly wrestled back control of proceedings.

Gignac's third in two games

And it was Gignac that added a third – and his third in two games for Les Bleus – with a wonderful goal, firing home into the far corner after cutting inside from the left onto his lethal right boot in the 66th minute.

With ten minutes left, Lyon's Bafetimbi Gomis replaced the excellent Benzema, but there was to be no further addition to the scoring. France turning the tables on Austria and warming up for next month's play-off tie in the best possible fashion with a comfortable 3-1 victory.

>> Ligue 1 fixtures changed to help Les Bleus!