Two first-half goals from Elise Bussaglia kept alive France's hopes of qualifying for the FIFA Women's World Cup as Elisabeth Loisel's team overcame a valiant Austria side in Troyes to set up a dramatic final Group 5 encounter against England.

Concerns allayed
Concerns that the French were not quite at their best after two winless friendlies in Canada were allayed when Bussaglia broke the deadlock after half an hour. But Ernst Weber's side, who have impressed this campaign, pegged back their hosts when Nina Burger levelled five minutes later. Parity only lasted three minutes, however, as Bussaglia scored her second.

English showdown
France were able to preserve their advantage until the final whistle and set up a do-or-die fixture against England in Rennes next Saturday. Les Bleues are three points behind section leaders and need a victory by any margin to pip their cross-channel rivals to a place in the 2007 finals in China.