MARKO ARNAUTOVIC has wrapped up a crucial win for Austria in their Euro 2020 opener.
And he then immediately turned and ranted at Ezgjan Alioski after netting to the horror of captain David Alaba.
Alaba was seen sprinting over to Arnautovic and physically holding his mouth to try and quiet him down.
In the first half Stefan Lainer pounced on a pinpoint long pass from Marcel Sabitzer to tap home and put Austria ahead.
But 38-year-old captain Goran Pandev then netted a first ever tournament goal for the North Macedonians.
However, Michael Gregoritsch made it 2-1 before Arnautovic literally had the final say.
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THAT’S ALL FROM BUCHAREST
Austria picked up their first ever win in the Euros as they beat North Macedonia in the National Arena.
The Austrians opened the scoring on 18 minutes when Marcel Sabitzer found Stefan Lainer with a brilliant cross and the latter scored a stunning volley from a tight angle.
But Igor Angelovski’s men netted their first ever cracker just 10 minutes later when Daniel Bachmann failed to hold on to the ball and Goran Pandev hit the target.
However, Franco Foda’s side wouldn’t be denied as a scintillating cross from David Alaba down the left flank found Michael Gregoritsch, who beat Stole Dimitrievski with a sharp finish.on 78 minutes.
Former West Ham ace Marko Arnautovic sealed the Austrians’ historic victory after a one-two with Konrad Laimer brought him in front of Dimitrievski whom he beat with ease in the 89th minute.
That’s all from us here at SunSport, have a lovely night!
Credit: EPA FAN REACTION TO ARNAUTOVIC
Premier League fans found Austria star Marko Arnautovic’s angry celebration quite entertaining and even demanded his return to English football.
One tweeted: “Arnautovic celebrating a goal by nearly fighting his team-mates, that’s why he’s in my fantasy team.”
Another wrote: “Marko Arnautovic coming off the bench, rounding the goalkeeper and scoring the third goal, all while looking absolutely furious in the process. Bring this man back to the Barclays.”
And a third posted: “That Arnautovic celebration reminded me of Balotelli’s in 2012 Euros.”
Credit: EPA ARNAUTOVIC RANT
Austria star Marko Arnautovic sealed his country’s historic win in the Euros.
Arnautovic slotted home to secure three points after rounding North Macedonia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski and hitting the target.
That prompted some wild celebrations from the Shanghai Port ace who appeared to launch a verbal tirade towards the opposition before being mobbed by his team-mates.
Austria captain David Alaba then grabbed his face in a bizarre manner to apprently calm him down
Credit: EPA
SUPER SUBS
Austria won their first ever match in the Euros thanks to two late goals.
But both of those crackers occurred from players who came on as substitutes in the second half.
Those are Michael Gregoritsch and Marko Arnautovic, who proved there is a potential pattern.
More below:
STILL GOR-ING ON
North Macedonia star Goran Pandev proved to be ageless today against Austria.
Pandev was essential throughout the match for his side as his movement opened space for his team-mates and his presence inspired the rest of the team to push forward.
The Genoa striker scored his country’s first ever goal in a major international tournament.
It also proved to be quite a special finish that will leave in history:
LEAVING HIS MARK
This is how Marko Arnautovic sealed the win for Austria in a rather stressful evening.
Arnautovic switched the ball brilliantly with Konrad Laimer and had no problem beating Stole Dimitrievski.
The former West Ham star couldn’t hold his enthusiasm after hit the back of the net.
Check it out:
UPDATED TABLE
Austria now lead the way in Group C, but that is subject to change as the Netherlands and Ukraine are set to battle later tonight.
The Austrians really needed this win as three points alone could help them go through to the Round of 16 as long as they are among the four best third-placed teams.
North Macedonia are bottom of the table but scored their first ever goal with Goran Pandev.
More below:
STATS
Austria enjoyed most of the possession throughout the entire match and dominated a total of 63.2 per cent.
Franco Foda’s men registered a total of 10 shots, six of which were on target.
North Macedonia, on the other hand, recorded seven shots, but only two of them were on target.
Austria bested their opponents on tackles and aerial duels as they won 72.2 and 60.6 per cent respectively
FT: AUSTRIA 3-1 NORTH MACEDONIA
Austria picked up their first ever victory in the Euros as they beat North Macedonia in the National Arena.
The Austrians opened the scoring after 18 minutes when Marcel Sabitzer found Stefan Lainer with a brilliant cross and the latter scored a stunning volley from a tight angle.
But Igor Angelovski’s men netted their first ever goal 10 minutes later when Daniel Bachmann failed to hold on to the ball and Goran Pandev hit the target.
However, Franco Foda’s side wouldn’t be denied as a crisp cross from David Alba down the left flank found Michael Gregoritsch who beat Stole Dimitrievski with a sharp finish.on 78 minutes.
Former West Ham star Marko Arnautovic sealed the Austrians’ historic win after a one-two with Konrad Laimer brought him in front of Dimitrievski whom he beat with ease in the 89th minute
Credit: AP
PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
FULL-TIME IN BUCHAREST!!!!!!
AUSTRIA 3-1 NORTH MACEDONIA
90+4 SUBSTITUTION
Austria manager Foda makes his final switch as Ilsanker replaces Schlager
AUSTRIA 3-1 NORTH MACEDONIA
90+3 A late substitution from Austria manager Foda as Baumgartlinger replaces Laimer
AUSTRIA 3-1 NORTH MACEDONIA
90 Austria seal their first ever victory in the Euros with a fine finish from Arnautovic.
Ulmer flicks the ball back to the striker after a free-throw and he casually breezes through North Macedonia’s defence, whoich allows him to beat Dimitrievski.
The ex-West Ham star celebrates that goal very passionately
GOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL!
AUSTRIA MAKE IT THREE WITH ARNAUTOVIC!!!!!!
AUSTRIA 2-1 NORTH MACEDONIA
88 Here is how Austria retook the lead with Gregoritsch.
Obviously nothing would have happened without Alaba’s incredible assist
AUSTRIA 2-1 NORTH MACEDONIA
86 SUBSTITUTION
Another change from North Macedonia manager Angelovski as Ristovski replaces Musliu
AUSTRIA 2-1 NORTH MACEDONIA
85 YELLOW CARD
First booking for Austria as Lainer gets cautioned for a tactical foul on Ademi that prevents a North macedonia counter-attack
AUSTRIA 2-1 NORTH MACEDONIA
83 Austria dedicated both of their goals to Denmark international Eriksen.
Wonderful touch from the Austrians, who are closing in on their first ever victory in the Euros
Credit: Getty AUSTRIA 2-1 NORTH MACEDONIA
82 SUBSTITUTION
North Macedonia manager Angelovski makes another change as Trickovski replaces Bardi
AUSTRIA 2-1 NORTH MACEDONIA
80 Austria got what they wanted after manager Foda figured out that he needs Alaba in midfield rather than defence.
North Macedonia’s defence let themselves down for the first time in the match as they were too slow to scout Gregoritsch run
AUSTRIA 2-1 NORTH MACEDONIA
78 Austria get the goal they so needed so desperately!
Alaba proves what a difference maker he can be as he delivers a cross from the left and finds Gregoritsch, who breaks through North Macedonia’s defence and beats Dimitrievski to the ball
GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL!
AUSTRIA SCORE WITH GREGORITSCH!!!!!!!!!!
AUSTRIA 1-1 NORTH MACEDONIA
75 CHANCE
Alioski delivers a ball from the left, Pandev lets it through and Elmas gets the shot, which is blocked by Hinteregger
AUSTRIA 1-1 NORTH MACEDONIA
73 Frustrations are starting to boil up for both sides.
Austria continue to get more of the ball and look more dangerous ever since the introduction of Gregoritsch and Arnautovic
AUSTRIA 1-1 NORTH MACEDONIA
70 North Macedonia are confident on the pitch.
They don’t look to bothered about winning the match but want to get a result at all costs.
That really shows with their positioning and counter-attacks
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
