Spain secured their place in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals with a 4-1 victory over Georgia. Despite an early scare, Spain demonstrated their quality and resilience to set up an exciting clash with hosts Germany.
The match took place at Cologne Stadium, where Georgia, making their debut in a major tournament, started strongly. They stunned Spain and their supporters by taking the lead after 18 minutes. A cross from Otar Kakabadze was accidentally deflected into Spain’s goal by defender Robin le Normand, giving Georgia a surprising advantage.
The goal sparked wild celebrations from the Georgian team and their fans. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who was leading the celebrations, seemed to give his team a boost of confidence. However, Spain’s persistent pressure eventually paid off. Manchester City’s Rodri equalized with a powerful shot into the bottom corner, beating Georgia’s goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who had been impressive throughout the game.
Spain continued to dominate the game, creating numerous chances. Fabian Ruiz put Spain ahead with a header from a cross delivered by 16-year-old Lamine Yamal. Despite their spirited performance, Georgia could not keep up with Spain’s attacking prowess. Kvaratskhelia nearly scored a sensational goal from the halfway line, but his chip narrowly missed the target.
Spain’s possession and attacking play were too much for Georgia. Nico Williams scored a stunning goal by striking powerfully into the top of the net, making it 3-1. Dani Olmo then added the final touch with a precise finish, sealing Spain’s victory.
Looking ahead, Spain will face Germany in the quarter-finals in Stuttgart on Friday. Despite their impressive performance, Spain’s manager Luis de la Fuente acknowledged the challenge ahead. “Germany at home will be very strong, but we are not afraid. We will aim to win, not just to play well,” he said.
Spain’s flawless record in the group stages made them favorites for this knockout match. Even though Georgia managed to surprise them with an early goal, Spain showed their strength with a dominant second-half performance. Players like Yamal and Williams delivered exciting performances, and Olmo took his chance to shine.
On the other hand, Georgia’s remarkable tournament journey ended with this loss. Manager Willy Sagnol, a former Bayern Munich player, praised his team’s performance and expressed pride in their progress. “The team’s evolution has been fantastic. We may be out now, but we look forward to the future,” he said.
Georgia’s goalkeeper Mamardashvili played a crucial role in keeping the scoreline respectable for over 50 minutes until Ruiz’s header gave Spain the lead. Despite the final score, Georgia’s attacking flair and bravery were evident throughout the match.
The extra days Spain had to prepare for this game, along with the opportunity to rotate their squad, were evident as Georgia tired later on. Nevertheless, Georgian supporters showed their appreciation for their team with chants and applause after the match.
Spain’s victory confirms their status as tournament favorites and sets up an exciting quarter-final against Germany. Meanwhile, Georgia leaves the tournament with respect and admiration for their performance and growth. Their fairytale run in Euro 2024 may have ended, but it has been a journey to remember for the debutants.