Euro 2020-Austria beat North Macedonia 3-1: Arnautovic scores after Gregoritsch, Lainer as Austria thrash Euro debutants 3-1: Austria opened their Euro 2020 campaign with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over North Macedonia in Bucharest.
Franco Foda’s side were sent on their way by a brilliant finish from Stefan Lainer (18), who volleyed home Marcel Sabitzer’s superb cross.
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Euro 2020-Austria beat North Macedonia 3-1: Arnautovic scores after Gregoritsch, Lainer as Austria thrash Euro debutants 3-1
However, a comedy of errors in the Austrian defence allowed North Macedonia, who were playing in their first match at a major tournament, back in before the break. Veteran striker Goran Pandev (28) capitalised on the mix-up and produced a historic moment to bring his side level.
Austria vs North Macedonia Highlights: After the break, North Macedonia had their moments as Daniel Bachmann denied Boban Nikolov, but they eventually began to tire, and substitute Michael Gregoritsch (78) converted David Alaba’s cross to break North Macedonian hearts before Marko Arnautovic (89) – another substitute – struck late on to round off proceedings.
Victory sees Austria take an early lead in Group C ahead of the second game in the group between Netherlands and Ukraine, which takes place on Sunday evening.
Euro 2020, Group C next matches: Both teams are back in action on Thursday with North Macedonia facing Ukraine in Bucharest and Austria playing Netherlands in Amsterdam
Euro 2020, Group C Standings: Austria currently sit at the top of Group D standings with 3 points in their kitty.
Netherland and Ukraine will lock horns tonight in the other Group C clash.