BUCHAREST, June 13: Austria finally earned a victory at the European Championship, and they got the goals they needed from the bench.
Michael Gregoritsch and Marko Arnautović both came on as substitutes and scored late to help Austria beat North Macedonia 3-1 Sunday in Group C.
It was Austria’s first win at a major soccer tournament in 31 years and its first ever at the European Championship.
Austria captain David Alaba set up the winning goal for Gregoritsch, curling in a perfect cross in the 78th minute. Arnautović calmly scored the final goal after rounding the goalkeeper with a minute to go.
Austria is playing at the European Championship for the third time, but it’s the first victory they have managed to secure — including when playing as co-host at Euro 2008.
Austria defender Stefan Lainer scored the first goal in the 18th minute. North Macedonia captain Goran Pandev equalised 10 minutes later, making the 37-year-old veteran the second oldest player to score in the tournament’s history. (AP)
