Scintillating Spain set up a mouthwatering Euro 2024 quarter-final clash with Germany after coming from behind to win 4-1 in Cologne and end Georgia’s fairytale run in their first major tournament.
Willy Sagnol’s Crusaders could barely get out of their own penalty area in the opening quarter of an hour but sprung forward on 18 minutes to stun La Roja with a lightning counter that saw Robin Le Normand put through his own net.
Spain patiently probed despite the shock of conceding for the first time in the competition and levelled on 39 minutes when Rodri drilled a low 20-yard shot into the bottom corner.
The pattern continued following the interval with Spain laying siege to their opponents’ area and they deservedly took the lead on 51 minutes when Fabian Ruiz nodded in Lamine Yamal’s sublime cross.
Luis de la Fuente’s side were firmly in their groove by now and hammered home their dominance late on with wonderful solo goals from Nico Williams and substitute Dani Olmo
Spain will now meet hosts Germany in the last eight in Stuttgart on July 5.
Talking Point – Spain impress again ahead of blockbuster with Die Mannschaft
This was another performance that further underlined La Roja’s status as one of the major contenders, as they target a third title in the last five editions.
Luis de la Fuente has got an abundance of talent at his disposal producing bewitching, fully in-sync football with the likes of young guns Williams, Pedri and Yamal continuing to enthral.
Spain now switch focus to a clash of the two teams to have won this trophy more than anyone. Both Germany and La Roja have three titles apiece with the winner of the upcoming quarter-final likely to be seen as favourites to go on and pull clear as the most successful Euros country in history courtesy of a fourth triumph.
As for Georgia, their fairytale run never looked like continuing here – despite the opener – but they head home from their first major international tournament with their heads held high and memories of group success and that famous victory over Portugal.
Player of the match – Fabian Ruiz (Spain)
It could have been any number of Spain stars but the PSG midfielder gets the nod for an all-round display that he capped with a third goal in his last four appearances for his country and La Roja’s all-important second of the night.
Player ratings
SPAIN: Simon 6, Cucurella 7, Laporte 7, Le Normand 6, Carvajal 7, Fabian 9*, Rodri 9, Pedri 9, Nico Williams 9, Morata 7, Yamal 9. Subs: Olmo 8, Oyarzabal 6, Grimaldo 6, Navas n/a, Merino n/a.
GEORGIA: Mamardashvili 9, Dvali 7, Kashia 7, Gvelsiani 7, Lochoshvili 7, Kakabadze 7, Kochorashvili 7, Kiteishvili 7, Chakvetadze 7, Kvaratskhelia 7, Mikautadze 7. Subs: Altunashvili 6, Tsitaishvili 6, Davitashvili 6, Kvekveskiri 6, Zivzivadze n/a.
Match Highlights
18’ – GOAL! – Spain 0-1 Georgia: (Le Normand own goal). Talk about against the run of play! Khvicha Kvaratskhelia attacks a right-wing cross and it unnerves Robin Le Normand, who can only watch in horror as he diverts the ball into the back of his own net.
39’ – GOAL! – Spain 1-1 Georgia: (Rodri). All square! Rodri collects Williams’ pass from the left and arrows a low 20-yard shot into the bottom corner.
51’ – GOAL! – Spain 2-1 Georgia: (Fabian Ruiz). This time Mamardashvili can’t deny Spain as Fabian heads home Yamal’s sensational ball from the right.
75’ – GOAL! – Spain 3-1 Georgia: (Nico Williams). It’s a wonderful solo goal as Williams jinks past his man on the left and then fires a wonderful, rising shot beyond the ‘keeper to surely send La Roja into the last eight.
83’ – GOAL! – Spain 4-1 Georgia: (Dani Olmo). It’s too good! Olmo’s sensational first touch takes him past his man before the second sees him roll the ball into the corner from the edge of the box.
Key Stats
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