Bucharest (AFP)

Austria finally won its first victory in a Euro by beating North Macedonia (3-1), thanks to two decisive changes: the rise of David Alaba, and the entry of Michael Gregoritsch, decisive scorer, Sunday in Bucharest .

Goran Pandev gave the Macedonians hope for a successful entry into a big competition, equalizing (28) after Stefan Lainer's superb opener (18), but the Austrians had the last word.

They owe it to Alaba, decisive passer, and Augsburg striker Gregoritsch, who came into play for a vast tactical change, which arose in front of Stole Dimitrievski on the center of his captain (78).

The star defender of Austria, spent this summer from Bayern Munich to Real Madrid, had returned for about twenty minutes to his more common position in the mid-left selection.

Franco Foda, the German coach of Austria, also changed at that time his two attackers, Gregoritsch and Marko Arnautovic relaying Christoph Baumgartner and Sasa Kalajdzic (58).

The very versatile Alaba had played an unusual role of third central in the defense for almost an hour.

Maybe to watch Pandev, but then it was ineffective.

- Pandev goalscorer -

Alaba is even involved in the goal of Pandev, who took advantage of a double gift from the Austrian defense: an unfortunate rebound on Marcel Sabitzer, then a failed exit from Daniel Bachmann, not well coordinated with his captain.

Pandev appeared to explode with joy the blood and gold part of the National Arena, by far the loudest.

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He became the second oldest goalscorer in the euro, at 37 years and 321 days, behind ... an Austrian, Ivica Vastic, goalscorer at 38 years and 257 days, on penalty, in 2008 (Austria-Poland, 1- 1).

But his genius was not enough.

After two draws and four losses, between 2008 and 2016, and two goals scored in all, Austria finally broke their scarcity in the competition, scoring more goals in one match than in 60 years of tournament!

She deserved it.

Already, his first goal is magnificent, born of a skilful launch of Sabitzer for a volley of Stefan Lainer at a closed angle, at 6 meters.

Then Alaba's teammates took the lead in the second half.

Arnautovic scored the third (89), honoring his reputation for bad character, since he moaned even after his goal!

Gregoritsch could have scored earlier with an uncrossed header without an outstretched hand rescue from Stole Dimitrievski (64).

The Macedonians were left with the blocks, but Pandev took over (63) and Elmas was blocked (74).

The Risovi (Lynx), nevertheless came out to the applause of their supporters, who had, like the whole stadium, cheered before the match the name of the Danish Christian Eriksen on the screen, victim the day before of a discomfort in the middle of the match.

© 2021 AFP