Kylian Mbappe starred as world champions France shrugged off injuries and off-field problems to beat Austria on Thursday, while the Netherlands won in Poland to close in on a place in next year's Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Nations League finals.

France's build-up to their defense of the World Cup in Qatar in November and December has been marred by fitness issues surrounding a host of key players as well as other worries, but Les Bleus did not appear distracted as they outclassed the Austrians in Paris, winning 2-0.

Mbappe showcased his phenomenal pace and strength before finishing emphatically to put the hosts ahead in the 56th minute at the Stade de France.

The recalled Olivier Giroud doubled their lead nine minutes later, heading in Antoine Griezmann's cross to score his 49th international goal – he is now just two goals short of Thierry Henry's French record.

"We did what we needed to do to get the victory, creating lots of chances and controlling the match," said France coach Didier Deschamps.

"There are lots of positives to take from the game."

Meanwhile, the Netherlands are well placed to advance to the finals after a 2-0 win away to Robert Lewandowski's Poland in Warsaw.

Cody Gakpo turned in a Denzel Dumfries center at the end of a superb move to put the Dutch in front early on, while Steven Bergwijn made it 2-0 on the hour mark after a one-two with Vincent Janssen.

"It was a big test for us. I am very satisfied with how we played," said Dutch coach Louis van Gaal.

Croatia, the 2018 World Cup runners-up, are on course to top the section after beating Denmark 2-1 in Zagreb.

Borna Sosa's 49th-minute opener for the hosts was cancelled out by a magnificent Christian Eriksen strike in the 77th minute.

However, Croatia's winner came just two minutes later through Lovro Majer.

Group rivals Belgium beat Wales 2-1 in Brussels, with Kevin De Bruyne and Michy Batshuayi scoring first-half goals before Kieffer Moore pulled one back.

UEFA match results on September 23

League A Group 1: France 2-0 Austria, Croatia 2-1 Denmark

League A Group 4: Belgium 2-1 Wales, Poland 0-2 Netherlands

League C Group 1: Türkiye 3-3 Luxembourg, Lithuania 1-1 Faroe Islands

League C Group 3: Slovakia 1-2 Azerbaijan

League D Group 1: Liechtenstein 0-2 Andorra, Latvia 1-2 Moldova

(With input from AFP)