5pm GMT Kick Off, National Arena, Euro 2020 Group C
Two Late Goal From Michael Gregoritsch And Marko Arnautovic Gets Austria Their First Ever Win At The Euros.
Austria took the lead through Stefan Lainer, but they were pulled back when Daniel Bachmann made a mistake and Goran Pandev pounced on the mistake. However, with little time left, Michael Gregoritsch scored, which was then doubled by Marko Arnautovic gave Austria the three points.
The first real chance of the game saw Austria take the lead. Marcel Sabitzer crossed the ball towards the back post, and Stefan Lainer was on hand to volley the ball into the net.
They had a real good chance to make it two. Once again, Sabitzer floated the ball into the box and Sasa Kalajdzic got a touch which sent it goalward, but it was saved comfortably by Stole Dimitrievski.
However, North Macedonia equalised minutes later from veteran Goran Pandev. A ball was played through which looked easy for Daniel Bachmann to deal with, but he dropped the ball, and Pandev was there to put it into an empty goal.
Towards the end of the half, Austria looked to go ahead again. Sabitzer and Lainer were causing North Macedonia problems with their creativity from the wing, but it was dealt with a number of times by the defense as the whistle blew for half time.
The beginning of the second half, Austria pressured North Macedonia into mistakes, but they were able to block most the attacks which Austria were throwing at them. The best chance they had came from substitute Michael Gregoritsch, who forced a wonderful save from Dimitrievski.
In the 78th minute, Austria took the lead once again. David Alaba found space, and fired a ball into the box. Gregoritsch got across his defender and poked it past the keeper.
Two minutes from time, Austria got a third from Marko Arnautovic. He showed great composure to take it around the keeper and finish the game off.
Austria go top of the group for the time being, as the Netherlands take on Ukraine later this evening.
Man Of The Match – Marcel Sabitzer
The Red Bull Leipzig player was brilliant in this game, being influential in much of the attacking threat Austria possessed.
He got himself an assist for the first goal, and could have had plenty more with the quality of his crosses.
“File:RO B National Arena opening day 1.jpg” by Andrei Stroe is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
Final Whistle 