WCQ Group Seven round-up

France suffer another slip-up as Austria come back into contention

  • Henry: Opened the scoring

    Henry: Opened the scoring

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France have allowed Austria back into contention for second place in Group Seven after another home draw in World Cup Qualifying Group Seven.

Group leaders Serbia remain in control and will no doubt be delighted that Les Bleus failed take a significant cut off their lead.

France took the lead as Barcelona striker Thierry Henry headed in from six yards just two minutes into the second half.

The lead was short lived, however, as Iulian Apostol fired home a low right-foot drive from 20 yards for Romania just seven minutes later to tie up the sides.

The game finished 1-1 and, with France facing the group leaders away on Wednesday, Raymond Domenech will be angry his side could not capitalise.

The draw has also allowed Austria back into the frame as their 3-1 win over Faroe Islands brings them to within four points of France.

Stefan Maierhofer opened the scoring in the first minute before Marc Janko doubled their advantage in the 16th minute.

A third came from the penalty spot, which was dispatched by Marc Janko to put the contest beyond doubt.

Faroe Islands did grab a late consolation goal through substitute Andreas Lava Olsen on 83 minutes.

The Austrians now leapfrog Lithuania, who were not in action on Saturday, into third place with 10 points and stand an outside chance of overhauling the French in second place.

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