Austria v North Macedonia

[Ray de Galles]

Two things are already troubling me :

a) both teams in change kits?

b) the MKD abbreviation

[Discordant Resonance]

Two things are already troubling me :

a) both teams in change kits?

b) the MKD abbreviation

UEFA generally takes abbreviations from each country's native language, so would be based from "Makedonija" , though "NMK" would seem best for easing sensitivities .

[scratchmonkey]

At least Austria are wearing different color jerseys and shorts.

[Rogin the Armchair fan]

I was going to go to Skopje on a bus from Sofia 3 years ago, but talked myself out of it. Wish I had now, just so I could say I'd actually been.

Needless to say, if North Macedonia make any progress in this tournament they will be the underdog heroes like Iceland five years ago. In fact, when could they meet England?

[jason voorhees]

You want goal of the tournament?

Go ahead and beat that flying Jackie Chan Shaolin Soccer special.

[Ray de Galles]

What a finish!

[Ray de Galles]

At least Austria are wearing different color jerseys and shorts.

Granted, it's just that they come from a pyjama set.

[scratchmonkey]

Small mercies, Ray.

What a pass from Sabitzer and what a finish.

[longeared]

A GOAL FOR ALL MACEDONIA

[Artificial Hipster]

Well this is more fun than I expected.

[Kevin S]

UEFA generally takes abbreviations from each country's native language, so would be based from "Makedonija" , though "NMK" would seem best for easing sensitivities .

This is useful info, though I'd assumed Ray was troubled by it being Franchise's abbreviation.

[jason voorhees]

You want worst goal of the tournament?

Go ahead and beat that stumbling, bumbling, bumping, clunking, blasting and bouncing the ball off the bozo defending only for a middle-aged cab driver to score and do the Saturday Night Fever disco dance special.

[Patrick Thistle]

Turned this on to see the MKD goal celebrations. Calamitous play from Austria!

[Patrick Thistle]

Is this John Hartson on co-commentary?

[tracteurgarcon]

Yes

[Satchmo Distel]

When I tuned in (15 mins in), the ESPN commentator was apologizing for an insensitive comment. What was that about?

Megan Rapinoe seems to be playing at No. 8 for N. Macedonia.

Pandev does seem to wandered in from a pub team until you see him with the ball (obviously he also has great positional sense and knows where to run, albeit slowly).

[Ray de Galles]

This is useful info, though I'd assumed Ray was troubled by it being Franchise's abbreviation.

Indeed and I'll thank Patrick not to repeat it.

[Patrick Thistle]

Indeed and I'll thank Patrick not to repeat it.

Consider it reclaiming the letters from evil

[Patrick Thistle]

I like the North Macedonia shirts. Good "first tournament shirt" classic kit of the future.

[scratchmonkey]

Not sure what the comment was on ESPN Satchmo, I've been watching; that must have slipped past me though.

The PBP guy just said "The Bachmann turnover...and Macedonia are in overdrive." He apologized immediately.

[Kowalski]

It's a shame the classic duo Clive Tyldesley and Andy Townsend weren't doing the commentary when Pandev scored. This could have happened....

"Bachman's Blunder, over to you Clive."

"Thanks Andy, you ain't see nothing yet!"

[Rogin the Armchair fan]

Goran Pandev is a year older than George Best would have been if Northern Ireland had taken him to Espana 82.

[Felicity, I guess so]

Apparently the manager was seen queueing in Skopje for the Panini album

[Felicity, I guess so]

Is Schlager on song?

[Satchmo Distel]

Goran Pandev is a year older than George Best would have been if Northern Ireland had taken him to Espana 82.

Looks after himself a bit better.