Spain overcame an early scare in UEFA Euro 2024 to secure a place in the quarter-finals with a commanding 4-1 comeback triumph over Georgia in Cologne.
Rodri equalized for Spain after Robin Le Normand’s unfortunate own goal in the 18th minute, and a resurgent Spain dominated the second half to quell Georgia’s challenge.
Fabian Ruiz fired La Roja into the lead shortly after the break, with Nico Williams and Dani Olmo making sure of the victory late on to end Georgia’s fairytale run at this European Championship.
Next up for Luis de la Fuente’s team is a highly anticipated quarter-final showdown against hosts Germany in Stuttgart on Friday.
Georgia’s goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who had been busy throughout the group stages, made crucial saves early on to deny Pedri and Dani Carvajal, keeping his side in contention.
However, Spain suffered a setback when Le Normand inadvertently deflected Otar Kakabadze’s cross into his own net, marking the first goal they conceded in the tournament.
Mamardashvili continued to impress, thwarting Marc Cucurella and Nico Williams with sharp saves as Spain pushed for an equalizer. His efforts were in vain when Rodri found the bottom-right corner from outside the box, scoring his first goal in a major tournament and leveling the score.
Spain survived a scare early in the 2nd half when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s audacious attempt from midfield narrowly missed the target.
Fabian Ruiz turned the tide shortly after, capitalizing on Lamine Yamal’s briliant cross to head home from close range and give Spain the lead.
Lamine Yamal, desperate to get on the scoresheet himself, almost capitalised on a mistake by Georgia’s defense but dragged another attempt narrowly wide of Mamardashvili’s goal.
Spain extended their advantage when Williams sprinted down the left flank on a counter-attack, leaving defenders behind before smashing a powerful shot into the top corner with his right foot.
Olmo put the finishing touches on the victory in the 83rd minute, slotting home Mikel Oyarzabal’s throughball into the bottom corner as Spain cruised into the quarter-finals with an emphatic win.
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