France warm up for playoffs wth 3-1 Austria win

France's Thierry Henry (L) passes the ball next to Austria's Julian Baumgartlinger during their World Cup 2010 qualifying match at Stade de France's stadium in St Denis, October 14, 2009. France warmed up for next month's World Cup playoffs by beating Austria 3-1 in their final Group Seven qualifier on Wednesday.

PARIS (Reuters) - France warmed up for next month's World Cup playoffs by beating Austria 3-1 in their final Group Seven qualifier at Stade de France on Wednesday.

Forward Karim Benzema opened the scoring with a diving header from Florent Malouda's cross after 17 minutes and captain Thierry Henry doubled the advantage from the penalty spot after defender Rod Fanni was blocked in the box.

Striker Marc Janko reduced the deficit for the visitors early in the second half before substitute striker Andre-Pierre Gignac sealed the win with a superb angled shot after 66 minutes.

Nothing was at stake with France certain to finish second behind Serbia to go into a two-legged playoff on Nov. 14 and 18 and Austria already eliminated.

France's playoff berth was secured on Saturday when they thrashed Faroe Islands 5-0 in Guingamp while Wednesday's win earned a measure of revenge for the 3-1 defeat to Austria in their opening qualifier that eventually proved so costly.

The former world and European champions looked sluggish at first and survived a scare when Hugo Lloris did well to save a powerful shot from 20 metres by Stefan Maierhofer.

Gradually, however, the home side moved on top of opponents certain to finish third in the group whatever the outcome and the two goals midway through the first half put them in control.

Henry, holding his thigh, limped off early in the second half, with his replacement Gignac making an instant impact.

There was a moment of confusion in the closing stages when two spectators invaded the pitch and had to be removed by security.

(Editing by Ed Osmond/Mitch Phillips; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)