Spain confirmed their place in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals with a commanding victory over debutants Georgia, setting up a highly anticipated clash with hosts Germany in Stuttgart.
In a thrilling encounter at Cologne Stadium, Georgia stunned Spain early on when defender Robin le Normand turned Otar Kakabadze’s cross into his own net, giving the underdogs a surprise lead after 18 minutes.
This setback sparked a determined response from Spain, who intensified their attacking efforts.
Manchester City’s Rodri restored parity for Spain with a powerful strike into the bottom corner, beating Georgia’s standout goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. Spain’s relentless pressure paid off further when Fabian Ruiz headed in a cross from the impressive 16-year-old Lamine Yamal.
Despite Georgia’s spirited play and moments of brilliance, including Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s audacious chip from the halfway line that narrowly missed the target, Spain’s superior possession and clinical finishing proved decisive.
Nico Williams added a third with a thunderous shot into the roof of the net, followed by Dani Olmo’s precise finish to seal a comprehensive 4-1 victory.
Reflecting on the match, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, highlighting their ability to create numerous scoring opportunities despite Georgia’s resilience.
“This victory is significant considering the quality of our opponents today,” De la Fuente remarked. “We faced a strong Georgian side who tested us, but we remained composed and executed our game plan effectively.”
Nico Williams vs Georgia.
Round of 16, Euro 2024. pic.twitter.com/dt9sn2Tv6X
— 𝙈𝙓 6 🕊️ (@MagicalXavi) June 30, 2024
With a flawless record in the group stages, Spain entered the knockout phase as heavy favorites. Their victory over Georgia reinforced their status as contenders for the Euro 2024 title, demonstrating their depth and attacking prowess.
Next up for Spain is a challenging encounter against Germany, the tournament hosts, in what promises to be a blockbuster quarter-final clash. Both teams will be aiming to advance further in a highly anticipated match that promises excitement and drama.
Georgia, on the other hand, exit the competition with heads held high after an impressive debut tournament performance. Manager Willy Sagnol praised his team’s growth and resilience, expressing optimism for the future despite their elimination.
“I’m incredibly proud of what the team has achieved,” Sagnol stated. “We showed our potential against top opposition and earned respect throughout the tournament. The journey ends here, but I’m confident that Georgian football has a bright future ahead.”
Spain’s path to the quarter-finals showcased their strength and determination, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown with Germany as they continue their quest for European glory.