Austria scored 2 late goals via super subs Marko Arnautovic and Michael Gregoritsch to secure an important win against North Macedonia. The game was all square and in the balance before Austria nicked a goal in the 79th minute and then sealed the win with another winning the match 3-1.
North Macedonia played their first European finals match and almost pulled off an upset. Despite being the underdogs they managed to create some decent chances. In the 18th minute, Stefan Lainer volleyed Marcel Sabitzer's pinpoint cross in the net to give Austria the lead. Veteran Goron Pandev equalised 10 minutes later after some pinball outside the Austrian penalty box.
North Macedonia defended deep and were happy to let Austria have the ball after getting their equaliser hoping to secure the point. They were successful for a large part but Franco Foda subbed in Arnautovic and Gregoritsch to try and change the game. The pair did exactly that as Gregoritsch slotted home David Alaba's cross from point-blank range in the 79th minute. Arnautovic then got the insurance goal after going around the keeper in the last minute of normal time.
Marcel Sabitzer controlled the entire midfield throughout the 90 minutes. Arnautovic and Gregoritsch have given their manager a very good reason to start them in Austria's next game against Netherlands in Amsterdam.
This game will give North Macedonia a lot of confidence before their matchday 2 game against Ukraine. Although Austria were the more dominant team North Macedonia looked the more likely team to score before the game-changing substitutions. Austria's accuracy in the final third was off for large parts of the game. The scoreline doesn't show how close the game was as North Macedonia didn't deserve to lose by 2 goals.
Man of the match:
David Alaba -
The main pre-match talking point was what position Alaba would play for Austria. Real Madrid's latest signing has played several positions in Midfield and Defense for his country. Alaba started the game as a central centre back who would carry the ball forward. When Austria needed a goal Alaba was venturing forward at every opportunity and eventually got an assist. The Austrian captain lead by example by being all over the pitch. Alaba needs to be at his A-game throughout the tournament for Austria to achieve success.
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