VIENNA, Austria (AP) -France was upset by Austria 3-1 in its opening World Cup qualifier, months after Les Bleus were bounced from the European Championship without winning a game.
Two first-half goals from free kicks and a penalty after the break was more than enough for Austria which took a 2-0 lead into the half and was never really threatened.
In the eighth minute Andreas Ivanschitz's curling free kick into the area was misjudged by France defender Philippe Mexes, who pushed the ball past goalkeeper Steve Mandanda.
Austria made it 2-0 in the 41st from a similar situation. Ivanschitz's free kick reached Rene Aufhauser, whose 10-yard shot was slightly deflected by France's William Gallas past Mandanda.
France made it 2-1 in the 60th when Sidney Gouvou scored, but 12 minutes later Ivanschitz converted a penalty.
