On his 80th appearance for Les Bleus the 25-year-old’s wing wizardry broke Austria’s resistance in the 38th minute when his dribble past three defenders and cross caused the unfortunate Wober to head past his goalkeeper Patrick Pentz.

But Mbappé also wasted a glorious chance to make things more comfortable for his side in the 54th minute, surprising virtually everyone in the stadium as he shot wide of the post after bursting through on goal.

The star striker’s head violently collided with the shoulder of Austrian defender Kevin Danso as they competed for the ball in the air. Mbappé left the pitch in the 90th minute as blood poured from his broken nose.

The French captain was finally substituted in a chaotic end to the match.

Austria coach Ralf Rangnick promised his in-form side, with one defeat in their last 16 matches, would go toe-to-toe with France and they were as good as his word with their relentless high-pressing and tackling keeping them in the contest.

They could even have taken the lead shortly before France scored when captain Marcel Sabitzer touched a Michael Gregoritsch cross into the path of Christoph Baumgartner whose shot was deflected wide by keeper Mike Maignan.

France were more dynamic after the interval with Pentz saving well from Marcus Thuram but the tough-tackling Austrians did not waver in their belief and their red-clad fans alongside the River Rhine roared them to the final whistle.

For all their effort and possession Austria struggled to create many clear chances as France’s returning N’Golo Kante fully justified his return to the squad with a masterful display at the heart of midfield.

There will be obvious concern about the severity of Mbappé’s injury and doubt whether he will continue at the European Championship.

“I don’t have the elements in my hands,” France coach Didier Deschamps said. “He didn’t get off lightly. It is still to be seen. I cannot at this stage give the answer [if he will be ruled out].”

Mbappé is France’s talisman and widely considered the heir to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the best player in the world. Also, he will finally wear the famous white jersey of Real Madrid next season after joining as a free agent from Paris Saint-Germain.

France join the Netherlands, who they face next, on three points after the Dutch beat Poland 2-1 on Sunday.

Additional reporting by Agence France-Presse, Associated Press