Spain advanced to a thrilling quarter-final clash with Euro 2024 hosts Germany after overcoming an early scare to defeat Georgia.
In their first major tournament, Georgia initially endured heavy pressure from Spain but shocked spectators at Cologne Stadium by taking a surprise lead 18 minutes into the match. Spain defender Robin le Normand inadvertently turned Otar Kakabadze’s curling cross into his own net, capping off a swift counter-attack and silencing the crowd.
Georgia’s substitutes ran over to celebrate with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who led the jubilations in the corner. This goal boosted Georgia’s confidence, but Spain’s relentless pressure eventually paid off when Manchester City’s Rodri drilled a shot into the bottom corner, beating goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who otherwise had an outstanding performance.
Spain continued to impress in attack, creating numerous chances and capitalizing when Fabian Ruiz headed in a cross from 16-year-old Lamine Yamal. Georgia fought back, and Napoli winger Kvaratskhelia nearly scored the goal of the tournament with a clever chip from the halfway line that just missed the post.
Despite Georgia’s flair and unpredictability, Spain’s controlled possession game took over. Nico Williams struck powerfully into the roof of the net to make it 3-1, and Dani Olmo’s precise finish sealed the victory.
Next up for Spain is a quarter-final match against European giants and home favorites Germany in Stuttgart on Friday, while Georgia exits the competition after an impressive and unexpected run.
“This is the path we are in. Germany at home will be very strong but we have no fear,” said Rodri, on Spain’s next match.
“I’m sure they will be worried about us too. We will have to play fantastic but we are here to try to win, not play well or give a good image. We are going all out to try to win.”
Bigger test to come but Spain continue to impress
Spain’s flawless record in the group stages, winning all three matches without conceding a goal, made them heavy favorites for this knockout tie.
They had to show resilience when Georgia ripped up the script, stunning Spain with a goal against the run of play, but Luis de la Fuente’s men delivered.
Widely considered tournament favorites due to their performance so far, Spain solidified that opinion with a ruthless second-half display full of creativity.
Yamal and Williams, 21, celebrated Spain’s third goal by dancing together in the corner, both delivering another exciting performance.
Substitute Dani Olmo also seized his opportunity to shine, scoring a goal and looking bright as he did in their 1-0 win over Albania.
Spain was tested by Georgia but did not let their counter-attacking threat disrupt their rhythm, and it paid off.
Quarter-final opponents Germany will pose their biggest challenge so far, but Spain has shown more than enough to maintain their status as tournament favorites.
“We created many chances and it could have been 8-1 which would have been normal,” said Spain manager Luis de la Fuente.
“We need to value how important this victory is because the opponents were really good.
“We know this next game [against Germany] could have been a final at a World Cup. It’s a great rival we are going to face.”