Spain continued to demonstrate their class at EURO 2024, as they came from behind to defeat impressive debutants Georgia at the Cologne Stadium on Sunday, June 30th.
The tournament debutants had already captured the hearts of neutrals with their determined performances in the group stage, and they looked set to pull off another shock when they took a surprise early lead against the competition favourites.
However, La Roja’s quality and resolve proved too much in the end, as they fought back to win 4-1 and book a tantalizing quarter-final showdown with hosts Germany.
Georgia got off to the perfect start, taking the lead in the 18th minute when Robin Le Normand diverted Otar Kakabadze’s cross into his own net under pressure from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Willy Sagnol’s side had weathered the early Spanish onslaught impressively, throwing their bodies on the line to frustrate the likes of Pedri and Nico Williams.
But Spain’s relentless pressure eventually told, with Rodri’s lovely finish from the edge of the box drawing them level just 6 minutes before the break, to ensure the game went into halftime with both sides level.
The complexion of the game then changed early in the second half, as Fabian Ruiz headed home Lamine Yamal’s inviting cross to put Luis de la Fuente’s men in front in the 51st minute.
Georgia refused to be cowed though, with Kvaratskhelia going close to restoring parity with a daring long-range effort that had Unai Simon scrambling.
However, Spain’s quality began to shine through, and man of the match Nico Williams, who had been threatening since the start of the game, broke free to add a third in the 75th minute.
With seven minutes of normal time left to play, substitute Dani Olmo, who had come on to replace Pedri, put the gloss on the scoreline with a classy finish, assisted by fellow substitute Mikel Oyarzabal.
While the result may have been ultimately comfortable for Spain, Georgia can depart the tournament with their heads held high.
Sagnol’s side played with the same spirit and determination that had served them so well throughout the competition, and they can take great pride in pushing one of the pre-tournament favourites all the way.
For Spain, the focus now turns to a tantalizing quarter-final clash with the host nation, Germany on Friday, July 7th at the MHP Arena.
Germany and Spain have scored the most goals at EURO 2024, 10 and 9 respectively. But the latter have conceded only 1, compared to the 2 conceded by the former.
Luis de la Fuente will be aware that his side will need to be at their very best to overcome Julian Nagelsmann’s formidable team, but the character they showed in overcoming Georgia’s stubborn challenge will give them confidence that they can go all the way and claim a third European Championship title.
With superstars like Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Alvaro Marata and Rodri, Spain look primed for a deep run in the knockout stages.
But they will know that they cannot afford another slow start against the Germans, who will be buoyed by passionate home support. All in all, a captivating quarter-final in Ludwigsburg lies in wait.
