Euro 2020: Michael Gregoritsch, Marko Arnautovic strike late to end Austria’s 31-year wait against North Macedonia

Gregoritsch timed his run to perfection to tap in Alaba’s cross before keeper Risto Jankov got his hands on the ball. Arnautovic then pounced on a defensive mistake to round the keeper and seal the Austrians’ first tournament win in 31 years.

Late goals from substitutes Michael Gregoritsch and Marko Arnautovic gave Austria a convincing 3-1 victory over European Championship debutants North Macedonia in their opening Group C clash on Sunday as they earned their first tournament victory in 31 years. Gregoritsch prodded home David Alaba`s cross in the 78th minute before Arnautovic struck in the 89th, as Austria earned a first win at the Euros at their seventh attempt and their first victory at a major tournament since the 1990 World Cup. “We deserved to win today,” Austria coach Franco Foda said. “The players made history today. You could feel form the first minute that they wanted to win it. The substitutions had an effect and brought new impulse. They were important and the team did everything to win it.” “I am very satisfied. We started well and were aggressive. Then they scored through a momentary lapse of concentration from us,” Foda said. “After the break we wanted to increase our passing speed. We were more mobile. We did it really well.”