At Euro 2024 on Sunday, Spain overcame surprise packages Georgia 4-1 thanks to goals from Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Nico Williams, and Dani Olmo. This set up a thrilling quarterfinal matchup versus hosts Germany.
In the eighteenth minute of this last-16 match, Georgia took a shocking lead thanks to a goal from Robin Le Normand, which enthralled their boisterous fans in Cologne.
Spain had given up their first goal of the competition, but they responded with a goal from Manchester City midfielder Rodri six minutes before the half.
La Roja continued to be on course to win as European champions for the fourth time when Ruiz headed home in the 51st minute, Williams sprinted through for the third, and Olmo, a replacement, sealed the victory.
“There are things we need to improve and at some points in the game we were not forceful enough, but in general terms we were superior,” Rodri remarked.
In a rematch of the Euro 2008 final, which they won 1-0 to start their golden age of dominance in international football, Spain will now play Germany in the round of eight in Stuttgart on Friday.
“Even if Germany is playing at home, we are not scared. Not merely to play well or project a positive image—we are here to win,” Rodri continued.
Here, Luis de la Fuente’s squad was predicted to easily defeat Georgia in an attempt to resurrect the old glory days.
If they had taken more of their chances, they would have ultimately won by a far larger margin. 16-year-old winger Lamine Yamal missed multiple opportunities to try and become the youngest goal scorer in the Euros.
Georgia is 66 places lower on the global rankings at number 74. In the qualifying round, Willy Sagnol’s team suffered two losses against Spain: a 7-1 home loss and a 3-1 away loss.
Nevertheless, they managed to earn a spot in their first major competition and advanced to the next round after defeating Portugal 2-0. They finally crumble here, yet they leave with their heads held high.
“I am not saying we are disappointed but we are a bit sad because we lost,” Sagnol stated. “I am sure in some days we will realise exactly what we have done and the happiness will come back very quickly.”
Giorgi Mamardashvili has been one of the top goalkeepers at the tournament, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze have a dynamic attacking combo that poses a threat to any opponent.
