Soccer world champion France has averted the threat of relegation from the Nations League for the time being, instead Austria with coach Ralf Rangnick now has to worry about remaining in League A.

The French came in Paris on Thursday in a direct duel to a 2-0 (0-0).

The Alpine Republic is bottom of Group 1, France moved up to third place.

In the fight for group victory, however, Croatia has the best cards.

The vice world champion took over the lead in the standings with a 2-1 (0-0) win over rival Denmark.

In Group 4, the Netherlands made a big step towards the Nations League semi-finals.

After the 2-0 (1-0) win in Poland, Oranje successfully defended first place in the table with 13 points.

On Sunday, a narrow defeat against pursuers Belgium is enough for the team of Bonds coach Louis van Gaal to ensure victory in the group.

The Belgians saved their chance by beating Wales 2-1 (2-0).

The former successful German U21 coach Stefan Kuntz and Turkey managed early promotion to League B despite a poor 3: 3 (2: 2) against Luxembourg. The outsider from Luxembourg took the lead three times, in the end Ismail Yüksek saved briefly the happy point before the end.

In Paris, superstar Kylian Mbappé (56th) and Olivier Giroud (65th) shot out the French victory.

Former Bremen player Marko Arnautovic made his 103rd international appearance for the Austrians, catching up with record player Andreas Herzog.

Austria need to beat Croatia on Sunday and hope for a France blunder in Denmark to avoid relegation.